Below there are differences
- Even though Mars has an atmosphere, it is very weak compared to Earth’s.
- The composition of the atmospheres of Mars and Earth is very different. Earth’s atmosphere is mostly made out of nitrogen and oxygen. Mars’ is mostly carbon dioxide which would be toxic to humans.
- The gravity on Mars is much weaker. while on earth there is more gravity.
- Earth has continents. Mars doesn’t.
- The Martian orbit is more “eccentric” than Earth’s. This means there’s a greater variability as to how close it is to the Sun throughout the year. This results in Mars having extremely cold seasons.
- Earth is almost twice as big as Mars in diameter.
- Mars is much colder than Earth. The average surface temperature on the planet is -62°C but they can go as low as -140°C
- The surface pressure on Mars is almost zero. This means that even if its atmosphere was adequate for humans, we still wouldn’t be able to breathe it without the help of a space suit because we wouldn’t be able to fill our lungs with it.
- The colors of both planets are very different. Earth looks blue from space while Mars has a very distinct red/orange surface that is the result of the iron on the surface oxidizing (like rust).
- One Martian year (687 days) is almost twice as long as one Earth year.
- Earth can support life. Mars is unlikely to be able to do so, however, it is possible it could have developed life in the past.
