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Spot on Science: Winter on Mars

NASA is sharing what winter is like on Mars.

According to the space agency-- the photos captured Mars's changing landscape due to winter show mega-dunes with carbon dioxide frost and ice on them. The frost makes the dunes and other parts of Mars' landscape look darker.

Mars also experiences cube-shaped snow that accompany sub-zero temperatures. In some areas-- the red planet can get as low as negative 190 degrees fahrenheit (negative 123 degrees celsius) during winter.

Discussion Questions:

  • What are the causes of seasons on Earth? Do you think those same factors cause the seasons on Mars?
  • What do you think winter looks like on your favorite planet?
  • If you could plan a voyage for a Mars rover, what would you like it to discover?