Astronomy

Mars (the Red Planet) is the fourth planet from the Sun and the only planet that NASA has sent rovers to try to find some sort of life. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, Mars has surface features reminiscent both of the impact craters of the Moon and the volcanoes, valleys, deserts and polar ice caps of Earth. It is the site of Olympus Mons, the highest known mountain in the solar system, and of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon. In addition to its geographical features, Mars’ rotational period and seasonal cycles are likewise similar to those of Earth.

The robot Mars rovers have been searching the planet for signs of life or anything unusual that would account for a good discovery and NASA has been thinking about pulling them out for some time now. NASA officials say they can continue their mission at least until 2009, or as long as Spirit and Opportunity can do the job.