• Question: Why is mars known as the red planet

    Asked by rachaelm to Audra, Fiona, Gavin, Justin, Steve on 18 Mar 2012. This question was also asked by ilyasg.
    • Photo: Fiona Hatch

      Fiona Hatch answered on 18 Mar 2012:

      Sorry for the delayed answer to this question!

      Mars is known as the red planet because it’s surface is all red. This is because the dust on the surface is made up of iron oxide which is what rust is made of. And if you ever look at rust on metal (usually metal that has been left outside for a long time) its always quite a dark red colour.

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