Class topics: Planets

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MARS

• Mars has 2 moons:  Phobos (larger) and Deimos
   

• •Approximately the same surface area as Earth, even though smaller overall size, due to no oceans
   
• •Surface Pressure equivalent to standing on top of Mt. Everst (~30,000ft)
   
• •Color derived from iron oxide compounds

Introduction to Mars

 

EARTH

• Earth has an average temperature of 59F
   

• •Atmosphere is 78% Nitrogen and 20% Oxygen
   
• •Water constitutes about 70% of the surface, as well as a portion of the atmosphere, depending on location

 

Why Can Life Exist on Earth?

• Life as we know is capable of existing on earth for several reasons:
  - Temperature Range
  - –Presence of Water
  - –Presence of Oxygen
   

• •Higher animals need oxygen and water readily available to perform metabolic processes in order to sustain life
   
• •Animals and bacteria benefit from a temperature range suitable for enzymatic reaction

Comparison of Earth and Mars

• Mars is one tenth the mass of Earth
   

• •Mars has a diameter about half that of Earth
   
• Both planets have a•pproximately the same Rotational Period (24 hours)

• •Mars is one and one half times the distance from the Sun when compared to Earth

• •Average Temperature on Mars: -85 F

• •Mars' Atmosphere is 95% Carbon Dioxide, 3% Nitrogen, and <0.25% Oxygen

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