This NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) planet profile provides data and images of the planet Mars. These data include planet size, orbit facts, distance from the Sun, rotation and revolution times, temperature, atmospheric composition, density, surface materials and albedo. Images with descriptions include surface features such as canyons, volcanoes, Viking 1 and 2 landing sites, ... Full description.

This site from SERC presents Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) warm up questions about life on the Moon and Mars. The questions promote the examination of Archaea, evidence of life on Mars and protolife on the Moon, as well as what it would mean to scientists and society if life were found on Mars or the Moon. Full description.

This webcast interview with Alan Alda (on Earth) and astronaut Andrew Thomas (on the Russian Space Station Mir) was conducted on March 23, 1998, with about half of the astronaut's stay aboard Mir behind him. The American presence aboard Mir is yielding important information about how humans can survive and thrive in space for long durations. That knowledge is helping to build a foundation for a human ... Full description.

This interactive activity lets you explore the Valles Marineris canyon (the size of the US) and a piece of it called the Candor Chasm. Using a 3D model of Mars' surface created using data from orbiting spacecraft, you can examine the surface from a distance, changing lighting to enhance features, and fly over the surface, looking for markers hidden in the terrain. Informative feedback makes the exercise ... Full description.

This Nine Planets page contains details about the planet Mars. Information includes planet diameter, mass, distance from the Sun, orbit, and mythology. Also covered are planet composition, surface features, atmosphere and magnetic field data, temperature on the planet, and results from exploration spacecraft. Phobos and Deimos (Mars satellites) are also covered in depth. The site provides links to ... Full description.

Information on this site about the planet Mars includes mean distance from Sun, length of year, rotation period, mean orbital velocity, inclination of axis, average temperature (day and night), diameter, inclination to ecliptic, and number of observed satellites. Other features of Mars discussed at this site include the two moons, seasons, volcanoes, canyons and plains, craters, water, and wind. The ... Full description.

This interactive activity lets you launch a spacecraft from Earth and see if it hits Mars. To do so, you need to launch the spacecraft at the right time, and the program calculates the thrust and direction. Full description.

This site highlights the fact that in March 2004, two NASA explorers discovered firm evidence that water once flowed on Mars - perhaps enough water to harbor life. This site features a video showing actual lift-off and an animation of the landing and the preparation of the lander to move and photograph the surface. The site also has photographs of Mars from a distance and the Martian surface. In addition, ... Full description.

This NASA-hosted site is a section of the Mars Pathfinder Science Results Directory with a specific emphasis on the geologic and geomorphic characteristics observed. Many photos and satellite images are available, with the option to view and download full size images. Scientific theories are offered as to the probable geomorphic agents sculpting Mars' surface. Full description.

This is the Educator Guide of an archived NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) CONNECT program designed to help students learn how geometry, geometric shapes, and navigation are used to explore Mars. It also covers the earlier exploration of Mars and speculations about the presence of water below the surface of Mars. The guide contains an activity in which students use observation, ... Full description.