Mars — The Red Planet
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Science on a Sphere® isn't just for simulating Earth! Watch as Mars, aptly referred to as the "red planet" because of its red surface caused by a high concentration of iron oxides in the soil, revolves before your eyes.
Mars touts not only the highest point in the solar system, but also a canyon over 30,000 feet (approximately 9 kilometers) deep. The highest point, the mountain Olympus Mons, is 78,000 feet (almost 24 kilometers) above the surrounding area and has an astounding diameter of over 300 miles (483 kilometers). The base of the mountain is surrounded by a cliff that drops 20,000 feet (6.1 kilometers). Compared to Mount Everest, the tallest point on Earth at 29,035 feet (8.8 kilometers), Olympus Mons is over two and half times taller.
Another spectacle on Earth is the Grand Canyon which is 277 miles (445 kilometers) long and 6,000 feet (1.8 kilometers) deep at its deepest point. Compare that to the largest canyon on Mars, Valles Marineris, which is almost 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers) long, approximately the width of the United States, and nearly 30,000 feet (approximately 9 kilometers) deep.
As you watch this animation, see if you can spot these and several other interesting "Martian" features…