A thin atmosphere and an elliptical orbit combine to create temperature fluctuations from -207 degrees to a comfortable 80 on summer days. The storms are very similar to hurricanes on Earth. Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos. Mars was most likely warm and wet about 3.7 billion years ago. Mars cooled and the water froze.
Remnants exist as ice caps at the poles.
Scientists say the deposits may provide clues to the planet's water-rich background. It has not yet been proven that there is life on Mars. A NASA announcement in 1996 about microscopic life found in a meteorite has failed to convince skeptics, and the search continues. E-mail us with general site comments or suggestions. Newsticker for your site Earth .