Why is Mars Surface Red?

Question: Why is the red planet red?

Answer: The reason Mars is reddish in colour is because it’s surface contains high amounts of iron oxide, basically Mars is a bit rusty. Iron oxide is also part of what gives blood it’s colour.

Like Earth, the red planet has an iron core but it’s believed by scientists that Mars’ weaker gravitational force due to it’s smaller size caused less of it’s iron to be pulled to it’s core while still in it’s molten form.

This resulted in a higher percentage of iron remaining at surface level.

Of course iron isn’t a rusty red in it’s original form, only once it has oxidized as a result of being exposed to oxygen.

Exactly how this was able to happen on Mars is not yet fully understood but one thing is clear, it did happen.

Watch the Amazing Mars Curiosity Landing Video from NASA.