Mars, known as the red planet, named after the Roman god of war (in Greek, Ares). Has given its name to the month of March. Thought by many to be the most probable place in the Solar System for extra-terrestrial life. Its linear markings were once believed to be the canals built by intelligent inhabitants. Although only half the size of Earth, Mars has the highest mountain in the Solar System, Olympus Mons, its peak 15 miles above the Martian plain. The thin atmosphere is mainly carbon dioxide and both poles are covered with solid carbon dioxide snow. First visited by Mariner 4 in 1965 and many spacecraft since. Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos.

For information about the real Mars go to Bill Arnott’s nine planet site: http://nineplanets.org/mars.html

Riding past Mars at 4 times the speed of light....