Mars was named after the ancient Roman god of war ‘Ares’ (AIR eez) and it is believed that Romans and Greeks came up with the name because of the planet’s apparent color, which is ‘red’. It is the fourth planet from the sun and one of Earth’s an-orbit-away neighbors. Among the planets, it’s been the most controversial because of the fact that many theories have been made in account to the possibility that there had been or there is life in Mars. This theory, in a way, is connected to the reason why the planet has the color of war.

Being not exactly and completely red, it is seen as a reddish orange or butterscotch yellow ball using a telescope. From afar, it has patches of darker orange or red areas and other irregularities. Like the earth which has changed itself over centuries, Mars structured itself to give way to mountains, terrains, canyons and canals. The Martian exterior has outstanding features, including a canyon system that is way grandiose than the Grand Canyon in the United States. Interestingly, water is believed to have flowed on the valleys, channels and gullies in the earth-like planet. Even immense quantities of ice were found during one of many explorations which have tried to unravel this mysterious planet. Till now, some scientists believe that water could still be present beneath Mars’ surface.

The main reason why the planet appears to be red is the abundance of iron in the planet’s soil. But this is not enough reason according to many, since iron is also present on the Moon’s soil but it has never become red. A speculation says that Mars, although much colder than the earth (as low as about -195 degrees F (-125 degrees C) or about -80 degrees F (-60 degrees C) on average), could have been wetter and warmer in its early stages. Rocks rich in iron could have been washed and worn away by rivers, seas or any form of water that could have been present in Mars. The oxygen in the water could have combined with iron in these rocks which resulted into iron oxides. Basically, this is what happens when iron gets in contact with water, it forms ‘rust’ which is naturally red in colour. What else happens to rocks when put under different kinds of temperature? They weather or decompose. More theories claim that the decomposed particles which contain iron could have went up to the atmosphere and rained over the soil of Mars. Other stories say that Mars was once flooded with water and this has made iron oxide profuse on the planet.

Spacecrafts have testified to the natural color of its soil. Man has never set foot on it and the assumption that life is present in Mars still continues. The color of the planet is a fact and it is true that Iron oxide or rust is what’s responsible. However, the reason why there is plenty of it in the red planet is still being assumed.

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