Just like in the story, certain conditions make it
“Just Right” for life to happen.
- Water
- Oxygen from the Air
- Soil
- Carbon
- Atmosphere and magnetic fields
Scientists are searching for planets with Earth-like features primarily to determine if life exists elsewhere in the universe and to better understand our own planet.
Mars:
Temperature
- Average temp: around –63°C
- High: about 20°C
- Low: about –125°C
Air composition
- Oxygen: 0.13%
- Carbon dioxide:
- Other: Nitrogen and argon make up most of the rest
Water
- Water mixed with: salt and dust
- All water is: frozen (ice) or trapped under the surface
Atmosphere
- Thin atmosphere
- Doesn’t block harmful radiation
- Not enough pressure to keep liquid water
Soil/Ground type
- Rocky, dusty surface
- Iron oxide (rust) makes the surface red
- Lacks nutrients for plants
Food
- No natural food — humans would need to bring or grow their own