Atmosphere

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Sunset photographed by Mars Rover Spirit

The Atmosphere of Mars is not breathable. The pressure is too low, and there is too little oxygen. And yet, it gives Mars something that makes it the most habitable of all planets in our solar system, except Earth of course. It provides valuable chemicals, and it forms a visible sky, mostly from dispersed dust.

Composition (gaseous parts)

Viking atmospheric measurements[1]
95.32% Carbon dioxide (CO2)
2.7% Nitrogen (N)
1.6% Argon (Ar)
0.13% Oxygen (O2)
0.07% Carbon monoxide (CO)
0.03% Water vapor (H2O)
trace Neon (Ne), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), Ozone (O3), Methane (CH4)

Mars surface pressure

1-9 millibars (depending on altitude).

Nadia and Paul - Veronica,We can't believe that you a ardaely have pictures up for us to see! What a fun surprise.We both had a lot of fun at the shoot on Saturday. Thanks for all the hard work you put into finding those excellent locations. They were just what we were looking for! And the pictures themselves are fantastic. You have a real gift, Veronica!Thank you, thank you, thank you!