<P> Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second - smallest planet in the Solar System after Mercury . In English , Mars carries a name of the Roman god of war , and is often referred to as the `` Red Planet '' because the reddish iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance that is distinctive among the astronomical bodies visible to the naked eye . Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere , having surface features reminiscent both of the impact craters of the Moon and the valleys , deserts , and polar ice caps of Earth . </P>
<P> Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second - smallest planet in the Solar System after Mercury . In English , Mars carries a name of the Roman god of war , and is often referred to as the `` Red Planet '' because the reddish iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance that is distinctive among the astronomical bodies visible to the naked eye . Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere , having surface features reminiscent both of the impact craters of the Moon and the valleys , deserts , and polar ice caps of Earth . </P>
how did mars get its name and what does it mean
how did mars get its name and what does it mean
the Roman god of war
the Roman god of war