Mars and Earth: comparison of sizes, atmospheres, similarities and differences. Which planet is larger - Mars or Earth? Planets of the solar system and their sizes

Mars belongs to the terrestrial planets (4th in terms of distance from the Sun). The atmosphere is rarefied, and the relief is a complex of impact craters, volcanic mountains, deserts, valleys, and polar ice caps. The main color of the planet is red-orange due to iron oxide, which is why it is called the red planet. Other colors also come across: golden, brown, greenish-brown. Such a variety of shades is given by the minerals present in the soil.

The density of the soil cover is lower than on Earth. It is equal to 3.933 g / cm³, and for the Earth this indicator corresponds to 5.518 g / cm³. The size of Mars relative to the Earth is not in favor of the first. The red planet is about half the diameter of Earth, with a surface area slightly smaller than Earth's land area. In numbers it looks like this:

Equatorial radius: 3396.2 km (0.52 Earth);

Polar radius: 3376.2 km (0.51 Earth);

Average radius: 3389.5 km (0.53 Earth);

Surface area: 144,371,391 sq. km (0.25 Earth).

For comparison, the land area of the blue planet Earth is 148,939,063 square meters. km. This is only 29.2% of the total area of the Earth. Everything else is occupied by the seas and oceans.

You should also know that the volume of Mars is 15% of the volume of the blue planet, and its mass reaches 11% of the earth. Accordingly, gravity is only 38% of the earth's. In numbers, the mass of the red planet is: 6.423 × 10 23 kg, against the earth's 5.974 × 10 24 kg.

The relief of Mars has many unique features. On the red planet is the highest mountain in the solar system - Mount Olympus (27 km in height). As well as the largest canyon Mariner. This is no longer on any planet in the solar system. However, on Pluto's moon Charone, the canyon is large.

The southern and right hemispheres are fundamentally different in their relief. There is a hypothesis that almost the entire northern hemisphere is an impact crater. In terms of area, it occupies almost 40% of the planet's surface, and if this is really a crater, then it is the largest in the solar system.

This hypothetical crater is called the North Pole Basin. Some experts believe that it was formed 4 billion years ago from the impact of a cosmic body with a diameter of 1900 km and a mass of 2% of the mass of Mars. But at present, this basin is not recognized as an impact crater.

The outer dimensions of Mars are not very impressive. The red planet noticeably loses to the Earth in all respects. In addition, it has a weak magnetic field, which is directly related to the bowels of the cosmic body. The semi-liquid core has a radius of about 1800 km. It consists of iron, nickel and 17% sulfur. It contains 2 times more light elements than the Earth. The mantle is located around the core. Volcanic and tectonic processes depend on it, but at present it is inactive.

The bowels of the red planet are "packed" in the Martian crust. It is dominated by such elements as iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, aluminum. The average thickness of the crust is 50 km, and the maximum is 125 km. The thickness of the earth's crust is on average 40 km, so that according to this indicator, Mars outperforms the blue planet. But in general, it is a small cosmic body, which is the second most important neighbor of the Earth after the Moon.

Vladislav Ivanov

People have always been interested in the unknown expanses of space. Studies of other planets have attracted many scientists, and the common man is interested in the question of what is there in space? First of all, scientists pay attention to the planets of the solar system. Since they are closest to the Earth and are easier to study. Particularly actively studied is the mysterious red planet - Mars. Let's find out which planet is larger - Mars or Earth, and try to understand why the red celestial body attracts us so much.

Brief description of the planets of the solar system. Their sizes

From the Earth, all the planets of our system appear to us as small luminous dots that are hard to see with the naked eye. Mars is different from all - it seems to us larger than the rest, and sometimes even without telescopic equipment you can see its orange light.

Which planet is larger: Mars or Earth? Do we see Mars so well because it is huge, or is it just closer to us? Let's look into this issue. To do this, we will sequentially consider the sizes of all the planets belonging to the solar system. They were divided into two groups.

Terrestrial group of planets

Mercury is the smallest planet. In addition, it is closest to the Sun than all the others. Its diameter is 4878 km.

Venus is the planet next furthest from the Sun and closest to Earth. The temperature of its surface reaches +5000 degrees Celsius. The diameter of Venus is 12103 km.

Earth is different in that it has an atmosphere and water reserves, which made it possible for life to arise. Its size is slightly larger than Venus and is 12,765 km. .

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. Earth and has a diameter of 6786 km at the equator. Its atmosphere is almost 96% composed of Mars, which has a more elongated orbit than Earth.

giant planets

Jupiter is the largest of the planets in the solar system. Its diameter is 143,000 km. It consists of gas, which is in vortex motion. Jupiter rotates around its axis very quickly, in about 10 Earth hours it makes a complete revolution. It is surrounded by 16 satellites.

Saturn is a planet that can justifiably be called unique. Its structure has the smallest density. Saturn is also known for its rings, which are 115,000 km wide and 5 km thick. It is the second largest planet in the solar system. Its size is 120,000 km.

Uranus is unusual in that it can be seen in a blue-green color with a telescope. This planet also consists of gases that move at a speed of 600 km/h. The diameter is just over 51,000 km.

Neptune is made up of a mixture of gases, most of which is methane. It is because of this that the planet acquired a blue color. The surface of Neptune is shrouded in clouds of ammonia and water. The size of the planet is 49,528 km.

The most distant planet from the Sun is Pluto, it does not belong to any of the groups of planets in the solar system. Its diameter is half that of Mercury and is 2320 km.

Characteristics of the planet Mars. Features of the Red Planet and a comparison of its size with the size of the Earth

So we looked at the size of all the planets in the solar system. Now you can answer the question of which planet is larger - Mars or Earth. A simple comparison of planetary diameters can help with this. Mars and Earth are twice the size. The red planet is almost half the size of our Earth.

Mars is a very interesting space object to study. The mass of the planet is 11% of the temperature on its surface varies throughout the day from +270 to -700 degrees C. The sharp drop is due to the fact that the atmosphere of Mars is not so dense and consists mainly of carbon dioxide.

The description of Mars begins with an emphasis on its rich red color. I wonder what caused this? The answer is simple - the composition of the soil, rich in iron oxides, and the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere. For such a specific color, ancient people called the planet bloody and gave it a name in honor of the Roman god of war - Ares.

The surface of the planet is mostly desert, but there are also dark regions, the nature of which has not yet been studied. Mars is a plain, and the southern one is slightly raised from the average level and dotted with craters.

Many do not know, but on Mars is the highest mountain in the entire solar system - Mount Olympus. Its height from base to top is 21 km. The width of this hill is 500 km.

Is it possible

All the works of astronomers are aimed at finding signs of life in space. In order to study Mars for the presence of living cells and organisms on its surface, rovers have repeatedly visited this planet.

Numerous expeditions have already proven that water was previously present on the Red Planet. It is still there, only in the form of ice, and it is hidden under a thin layer of stone soil. The presence of water is also confirmed by the images, which clearly show the beds of the Martian rivers.

Many scientists want to prove that humans can adapt to life on Mars. This theory is supported by the following facts:

Almost the same speed of movement of Mars and Earth.
Similarity of gravitational fields.
Carbon dioxide can be used to produce vital oxygen.

Perhaps in the future, the development of technology will allow us to easily make interplanetary travel and even settle on Mars. But first of all, humanity must preserve and protect its native planet - Earth, so that you never have to wonder which planet is larger - Mars or Earth, and whether the red planet will be able to accept all willing migrants.

> Comparison of Mars and Earth

Comparing Mars and Earth. How they differ and are similar: dimensions, atmosphere, gravity, distance to the Sun, living conditions, characteristics in numbers with a photo.

Previously, scientists thought that the Martian surface was littered with a system of channels. Because of this, they began to believe that the planet looks like ours and is capable of having life. But as we studied in detail, we realized that there are many differences between the objects.

Now the Red Planet is a frosty desert, but once this world was similar to ours. They converge in size, axial tilt, structure, composition, and presence of water. But differences prevent us from quickly colonizing the planet. Let's see how Mars and planet Earth differ.

Comparison of size, mass, orbit of Earth and Mars

The average earth radius is 6371 km, and the mass is 5.97 × 10 24 kg, which is why we are in 5th place in terms of size and massiveness. The radius of Mars is 3396 km at its equator (0.53 of the earth), and the mass is 6.4185 x 10 23 kg (15% of the earth). In the top photo, you can see how much smaller Mars is than Earth.

The terrestrial volume is 1.08321 x 10 12 km 3, and the Martian volume is 1.6318 × 10¹¹ km³ (0.151 Earth). The surface density of Mars is 3.711 m / s², which is 37.6% of the Earth.

Their orbital paths are completely different. The average distance of the Earth from the Sun is 149,598,261 km, and fluctuations are from 147,095,000 km to 151,930,000 km. The maximum distance of Mars is 249,200,000,000 km, and the proximity is 206,700,000,000 km. At the same time, its orbital period reaches 686.971 days.

But their sidereal turnover is almost the same. If we have 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds, then Mars has 24 hours and 40 minutes. The photo shows the level of tilt of the axis of Mars and the Earth.

There is also a similarity in axial tilt: Martian 25.19° versus Earth's 23°. This means that seasonality can be expected from the Red Planet.

Structure and composition of Earth and Mars

Earth and Mars are representatives of the terrestrial planets, which means they have a similar structure. It is a metallic core with a mantle and crust. But the Earth's density (5.514 g/cm 3 ) is higher than the Martian one (3.93 g/cm 3 ), that is, Mars contains lighter elements. The bottom figure compares the structure of Mars and the planet Earth.

The Martian core extends for 1795 +/-65 km and is represented by iron and nickel, as well as 16-17% sulfur. Both planets have a silicate mantle around the core and a hard surface crust. The earth's mantle extends for 2890 km and consists of silicate rocks with iron and magnesium, and the crust covers 40 km, where in addition to iron and magnesium there is granite.

The Martian mantle is only 1300-1800 km and is also represented by silicate rock. But it is somewhat viscous. Kora - 50-125 km. It turns out that with almost the same structure, they differ in the thickness of the layers.

Surface features of Earth and Mars

It is here that the greatest contrast is noted. No wonder we are called the blue planet, which is overflowing with water. But the Red Planet is a cold and deserted place. There is a lot of dirt and iron oxide, which caused the red color. Water is present in the form of ice in the polar regions. Also, a small amount remains below the surface.

There are similarities in the landscape. Volcanoes, mountains, ridges, gorges, plateaus, canyons and plains are found on both planets. Mars also boasts the largest mountain in the solar system, Olympus Olympus, and a deep abyss, the Mariner Valley.

Both planets suffered from asteroid and meteor attacks. But on Mars, these footprints are better preserved, and some are billions of years old. It's all about air pressure and the absence of precipitation, which destroy formations on our planet.

Attention is drawn to the Martian channels and ravines, through which water could flow in the past. It is believed that the cause of creation could be water erosion. They extend 2000 km long and 100 km wide.

Atmosphere and temperature of Earth and Mars

Here the planets are radically different. The Earth has a dense atmospheric layer, divided into 5 balls. Mars has a thin atmosphere and a pressure of 0.4-0.87 kPa. The Earth's atmosphere is represented by nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), while Mars' atmospheric composition is carbon dioxide (96%), argon (1.93%) and nitrogen (1.89%).

This also affected the difference in temperature indicators. The Earth's average is 14°C, the maximum is 70.7°C, and the minimum drops to -89.2°C.

Due to the thinness of the atmosphere and distance from the Sun, Mars is much cooler. The average falls to -46°C, the minimum reaches -143°C, and can warm up to 35°C. The Martian atmosphere also contains a huge amount of dust (particle size - 1.5 micrometers), which makes the planet appear red.

Magnetic fields of Earth and Mars

The earth's dynamo is provided by the rotation of the core, which generates currents and a magnetic field. This process is extremely important, because it protects earthly life. See the magnetic fields of Mars and Earth in a NASA diagram.

The Earth's magnetosphere functions as a shield that prevents dangerous cosmic rays from reaching the surface. But in Mars it is weak and devoid of integrity. It is believed that these are only remnants of the original magnetosphere, which is now dispersed in various parts of the planet. The greatest tension is closer to the south side.

Perhaps the magnetosphere has disappeared due to an intense meteor attack. Or it's all about the cooling process, which led to the stop of the dynamo 4.2 billion years ago. Then the solar wind set to work, which carried the remains along with the atmosphere and water.

Satellites of Earth and Mars

The planets have satellites. Our Moon is the only neighbor responsible for the tides. It has been with us for a long time and imprinted in many cultures. This is not just one of the largest satellites in the system, but the most studied.

Two moons orbit Mars: Phobos and Deimos. They were found in 1877. Their names are given in honor of the sons of the god of war Ares: fear and horror. Phobos extends for 22 km, and its remoteness borders between 9234.42 km and 9517.58 km. One pass takes 7 hours. It is believed that in 10-50 million years the satellite will crash into the planet.

The diameter of Deimos is 12 km, and the orbital path is 23455.5 km - 23470.9 km. The bypass takes 1.26 days. There are also additional satellites, whose diameter does not exceed 100 m. They can form a dust ring.

It is believed that earlier Phobos and Deimos were asteroids attracted by gravity. This is hinted at by their composition and low albedo.

Conclusion about Earth and Mars

We considered two planets. Let's compare their main parameters (Earth is on the left, and Mars is on the right):

Average radius: 6,371 km / 3,396 km.
Weight: 59.7 x 10 23 kg / 6.42 x 10 23 kg.
Volume: 10.8 x 10 11 km3 / 1.63 × 10¹¹ km³.
Half axis: 0.983 - 1.015 a.u. / 1.3814 - 1.666 a.u.
Pressure: 101.325 kPa / 0.4 - 0.87 kPa.
Gravity: 9.8 m/s² / 3.711 m/s²
Average temperature: 14°C / -46°C.
Temperature fluctuation: ±160°C / ±178°C.
Axial tilt: 23° / 25.19°.
Day length: 24 hours / 24 hours and 40 minutes.
Year length: 365.25 days / 686.971 days.
Water: copious/intermittent (as ice).
Polar ice caps: Yes / Yes.

We see that Mars, compared to us, is a small and deserted planet. Its characteristics show that the colonialists will have to face a huge number of difficulties. And yet we are ready to take the risk and go on a journey. Moreover, the distance from Earth to Mars is relatively small. Perhaps one day we will make it our second home.

Within our native solar system are a wide variety of cosmic bodies. We call them planets, but each of them has its own, unique properties. So, the first four, located closest to the star, are included in the category of "terrestrial planets". They have a core, a mantle, a solid surface, and an atmosphere. The next four are gas giants, having only a core, dressed in a wide variety of gases. But we have Mars and Earth on the agenda. Comparison of these two planets will be fascinating and exciting, especially given the fact that both of them are representatives of the "terrestrial category".

Introduction

Astronomers of the past, after they discovered Mars, believed that this planet is the closest relative of the Earth. The first comparisons of Mars and the Earth are connected with the system of channels seen through a telescope, which surrounded the red planet. Many were convinced that there was water and, as a result, organic life. It is likely that millions of years ago this object within the solar system had conditions similar to today's terrestrial ones. However, now it has been more than accurately established: Mars is a red desert. Nevertheless, comparisons of Earth and Mars are a favorite topic of astronomers to this day. By studying the features of the structure and rotation of our nearest neighbor, they believe that this planet will soon be able to be colonized. But there are nuances that so far prevent humanity from taking this step. We will learn about what they are and what they are by drawing an analogy on all points between our native Earth and the mysterious neighboring Mars.

Weight, size

These indicators are the most important, so we will start with Mars and Earth. Even in children's books on astronomy, we all noticed that the red planet is slightly smaller than ours, about one and a half times. Let's look at this difference in specific numbers.

The average radius of the Earth is 6371 km, while for Mars this figure is 3396 km.
The volume of our home planet is 1.08321 x 10 12 km 3 while the Martian is equal to 1.6318 × 10¹¹ km³, that is, it is 0.151 of the earth's volume.

The mass of Mars is also smaller compared to the Earth, and this indicator differs dramatically, unlike the previous one. The earth weighs 5.97 × 10 24 kg, and the red planet is content with only 15 percent of this indicator, namely, 6.4185 x 10 23 kg.

Orbital features

From the same children's astronomical textbooks, we know that Mars, due to the fact that it is more distant from the Sun than the Earth, is forced to walk in a larger orbit. It is about twice as large as the earth, in fact, and the year on the red planet is twice as long. From this we can conclude that this cosmic body rotates at a speed comparable to the Earth. But it is important to know these data in exact numbers. The distance of the Earth from the Sun is 149,598,261 km, but at the same time, Mars is located at a distance of 249,200,000,000 km from our star, which is almost twice as much. The orbital year in the kingdom of the dusty and red desert is 687 days (we remember that on earth a year lasts 365 days).

It is important to note that the sidereal rotation of the two planets is almost the same. A day on Earth is 23 hours and 56 minutes, and on Mars it is 24 hours and 40 minutes. The axial tilt cannot be ignored. For the Earth, a characteristic indicator is 23 degrees, and for Mars - 25.19 degrees. It is likely that the planet may be seasonal.

Composition and structure

Comparison of Mars and Earth will be incomplete if the structure and density of these two planets is not taken into account. Their structure is identical, since both belong to the terrestrial group. In the very center is the core. In Earth, it consists of nickel and metal, and the radius of its sphere is 3500 km. The Martian core has the same composition, but its spherical radius is 1800 km. Then both planets have a silicate mantle, followed by a dense crust. But the earth's crust differs from the Martian one by the presence of a unique element - granite, which is not present anywhere else in space. It is important to note that the average depth is 40 km, while the Martian crust reaches a depth of up to 125 km. The average is 5.514 grams per cubic meter, and Mars - 3.93 grams per cubic meter.

Temperature and atmosphere

At this point we are faced with fundamental differences between the two neighboring planets. And the thing is that in the solar system, only one Earth is equipped with a very dense air shell, which maintains a unique microclimate on the planet. So, a comparison of the atmosphere of Earth and Mars should begin with the fact that the first air layer has a complex, five-stage structure. We all learned in school such terms as the stratosphere, exosphere, etc. The Earth's atmosphere consists of 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. On Mars, there is only one layer, very thin, which consists of 96 percent carbon dioxide, 1.93% argon and 1.89% nitrogen.

This also caused a difference in temperature. On Earth, the average is +14 degrees. It rises to a maximum of +70 degrees, and drops to -89.2. Mars is much cooler. The average temperature is -46 degrees, while the minimum is 146 below zero, and the maximum is 35 with a + mark.

gravity

In this word, the whole essence of our existence on the blue planet. It is she who is the only one in the solar system that can provide gravity acceptable for the life of people, animals and plants. We mistakenly believed that gravity is absent on other planets, but it is worth saying that it is there, just not as strong as ours. The gravity on Mars is almost three times less than on Earth. If we have such an indicator as G - that is, the acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m / s squared, then on the red desert planet it is equal to 3.711 m / s squared. Yes, you can walk on Mars, but without a special suit with loads, alas, it will not work.

satellites

The only satellite of the Earth is the Moon. She not only accompanies our planet on her mysterious cosmic journey, but is also responsible for many natural processes in life, such as tides. The moon is also the most studied cosmic body at the moment, as it is closest to us. Escort of Mars - The satellites were discovered in 1877 and named after the sons of the god of war Ares (translated as "fear" and "horror"). It is most likely that they were pulled by the gravity of the red planet from the asteroid ring, since their composition is identical to all other stones orbiting between Mars and Jupiter.

The weight of Mars is about 6.4169 x 1023 kg, which is about 10 times less than the mass of the earth.

The planet Mars bears the name of the ancient Roman god of war Mars - according to legend, precisely because of its reddish-"bloody" color. In relation to the Sun, Mars is in fourth place - between the nearest neighbors Earth and Jupiter. The length of the "path" between Mars and the Sun is about 228 million kilometers. In terms of its dimensions, this red planet is number seven among the other planets. Today we will find out how much Mars weighs compared to the rest of the planets, as well as other interesting facts "from the life" of this celestial body.

A little about Mars

Mars has long been of great interest to world scientists, since its "temperament" is very similar to the earth. Indeed, the Martian surface is covered with a layer of loose rocks (regoliths), which contain a lot of iron, mineral dust and stones. The composition of the Earth's soil is almost the same, except that it contains much more organic matter.

The weight of Mars is 6.4169 x 1023 kg

According to research, in the past, Mars had rivers, lakes, and even entire oceans. However, over time, the water completely evaporated, and today the liquid on the Red Planet is stored only underground and on the polar "caps" - in the form of ice.

The atmosphere of Mars contains 95% carbon dioxide and is highly rarefied. In addition, the Martian "air" is filled with small dust particles, giving it a reddish tint. The Martian climate is characterized by dust storms. There is a theory that these hazardous weather events result from the absorption of sunlight by fine dust particles. As a result, the atmosphere of Mars heats up and a global storm rises above the planet.

Mars and Earth - comparative characteristics and parameters

Size. The diameter of the Red Planet is 6792 km (along the equator), which is two times less than the Earth's - this figure near the Earth is 12756 km. So, Earth is about 1.877539 times larger than Mars. If we compare the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe earth's land and the surface of Mars, then these figures will be almost equal to each other.
Weight. Mars has a relatively small mass, about 10 percent of the Earth's mass. For comparison: Mars weighs 6.4169 x 10 23 kg, and the weight of the Earth is 5.9722 x 10 24 kg. In addition, the force of gravity on the Martian surface is less than the earth's by about 38%. Therefore, all objects on Mars will weigh less than on Earth. For example, if a child on the "native" planet weighs 32 kg, then on Mars its weight will be only 12 kg.
Volume and Density. It is known that the average density of Mars is 3.94 g/cm 3 , and that of the Earth is approximately 5.52 g/cm 3 . As you can see, compared to the Earth, the density of the Red Planet is quite low. After all, this indicator directly depends on the mass, and the mass of Mars is only 10% of the earth. As for the volume of Mars, it is equal to only 15% of the earth's volume. If we imagine the Earth as a hollow ball, then to fill it we need six such small "balls" as Mars.
The length of the orbit and the speed of movement of the planets in orbit. The Earth's orbit is 939,120,000 km, and that of Mars is 1,432,461,000 km. The orbital speed of Mars is 107,218 km/h, and that of the Earth is 86,676 km/h. So the duration of one complete revolution of Mars is about 687 Earth days.
Seasons. It has been scientifically proven that a Martian day lasts 40 minutes longer than an Earth day. The number of seasons on the two planets is the same, since the axial tilts are almost the same (Earth has 23.5˚, Mars has 25˚). However, the year on Mars is about twice as long as on Earth, so the seasons are also longer.

The mass of Mars and other planets of the solar system - a comparative analysis

As can be seen from the table, in the solar system, Mars is a fairly small planet in mass, only Mercury is smaller than it.

Is there life on Mars?

This question worried many generations of earthlings. After all, Mars contains all the necessary components for the origin of life - chemical elements (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen), a source of energy and water.

In addition, back in 1996, scientists found evidence of life on Mars at the level of microorganisms, including various complex organic molecules, grains of the magnetite mineral, and microscopic compounds resembling fossilized microbes. Of course, the opinions of scientists on this issue differ, but so far no evidence has been found of the complete absence of life on Mars.

So, now we know how much Mars weighs, its comparative characteristics with the rest of the celestial "inhabitants" of the solar system, as well as other interesting facts.