I am the fourth planet from the Sun and Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor. I can pass as close as 35 million miles away.

My most distinctive characteristic is my rusty red color caused by iron rich minerals in my rocks. When viewed from space the only areas not red are the white patches at my poles, my polar ice caps, frozen all year round.

I am named after the Roman God of War because my red color is reminiscent of blood. But don’t worry, I’m a peace loving, friendly Martian!