Rotation period (days. hours. min. secs)          24h.37m.26s

Orbital period (days/years)                           687d

Orbital speed (miles/km per sec.)                  15/24

Inclination                                                    1.85 degree

Temperature (F degree/C degree)                 -190 to +50/-123 to +10

Gravity force (% or X Earth)                         38%

Escape velocity (miles/km per second)         3.1/5.0 

Satellites                                                          2

Special Features                                              Red, cratered planet



Mars' atmosphere scatters blue light, much like on Earth. Most Martian surface detail is obscured in this blue filter exposure, which permits clouds to be seen more easily. A polar hood over Mars' north pole is evident as a thin sheet of morning clouds, and can be seen on the western limb.