Did you know “Red Planet” is a nickname given to Mars? Mars has fascinated us for thousands of years, inspiring myths, stories, and scientific exploration.
Every November 28, Red Planet Day honors not just the groundbreaking missions that have explored Mars but also the planet’s cultural and scientific significance.
Stick around if you want to know why there is a special day to celebrate Mars, how to celebrate it, or just want to learn more about the Red Planet!
History of Red Planet Day
Red Planet Day is celebrated on the anniversary of NASA sending the Mariner 4 spacecraft to Mars on November 28, 1964, but we’ve been gazing up at Mars for much longer than that.
Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans looked up, saw a red planet, and named it after their god of war.
Later, with the invention of the telescope in the 17th century, we were able to look more closely at Mars. Instead of sating our curiosity, it grew with every extra finding, and the idea of life on Mars began to form.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and Mariner 4 reached Mars after 228 days of spaceflight, passing within 6,118 miles (9845 kilometers) of the Red Planet.
This was the first successful flyby of Mars, achieved 59 years ago on July 15, 1965 – another historic day for space exploration.
During the flyby, Mariner 4 took 22 photographs and some scientific measurements. The photographs were sent back to Earth, and scientists quickly began analyzing them to learn more.
The photos showed Mars’ surface had large craters, similar to those on the Moon. Scientists who hoped Mars would be a suitable place to live were quickly disappointed.
However, the photos only captured around 1% of the Red Planet, leaving many questions unanswered.
In the years after Mariner 4 was launched, other missions have gathered insights into life on Mars.
The Viking 1 Orbiter in 1980 and the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment in 2017 generated much clearer images of the Red Planet. Some of these images show glaciers and potential water sources.
NASA also deployed a number of rovers to Mars, including Opportunity (2004), Curiosity (2012), Perseverance (2021), and even a helicopter!
These rovers look for interesting rock, air, and soil samples that are analyzed and transmitted back home to Earth.
It is not clear when Red Planet Day was first celebrated. But we know one thing – many astronomers, scientists, and space enthusiasts are still spending hours discovering more about this fascinating planet!
How to celebrate Red Planet Day
Learn more about Mars.
The more you know about Mars, the more you will understand why Red Planet Day is celebrated every year.
November 28 is the perfect day to brush up on your knowledge about this famous planet.
Read a book, watch a documentary, or go online to see what else you might discover!
Watch a Mars-themed movie.
Many fictional movies set on Mars have been released over the years, including RocketMan (1997), Mission to Mars (2000), and The Martian (2015).
None of them are true, of course, but they’re always a lot of fun to watch!
Attend a local event.
See whether museums or libraries in your area are hosting events to mark Red Planet Day.
This is a great way to learn more about Mars and celebrate this special anniversary. You could also meet other people who are just as interested as you are in astronomy!
Red Planet Day FAQ
Why is Mars called the Red Planet?
Believe it or not, it’s called the Red Planet because it looks red! OK, reddish-orange. But why? Well, the planet’s surface is covered in rust-colored iron oxide dust.
Can people survive on Mars?
There is no oxygen or liquid water on Mars, and the temperature ranges from −109.3 °F (−78.5 °C) to 42.3 °F (5.7 °C). Until we figure out some way to combat these three, there’s no life on Mars for anybody.
Are there other days to celebrate the Red Planet?
Some people may celebrate Mars on other days, too. For example, the National Air and Space Museum commemorates Mars Day on July 16 with a range of activities for visitors.
5 Facts About the Red Planet
Mars is the seventh largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It has a radius of 2,106 miles (3,390 kilometers).
The Red Planet is the fourth planet away from the Sun, at around 141.6 million miles (227.9 million kilometers).
Mars is easier to spot at night than other planets because of its red color; it can be recognized as a bright spot of red light.
It is the only planet that NASA has sent rovers to explore, and it is one of the most explored places in the Solar System.
The 1971 song “Life on Mars?” by English singer David Bowie is considered one of the greatest songs ever.
Have you learned something new about the Red Planet?
If you’re as fascinated as we are with this amazing celestial body, you can find many ways to celebrate it on November 28.
Join the Red Planet Day fun and see what else you can discover about Mars!
