Mars

• Venus was a bust (for life, that is)

  • very similar to Earth
    • distance from Sun
      • hence expected temperatures
      • similar formation scenario
        • accreting planetesimals
      • size and mass
        • nearly the same bulk composition
      • But the atmosphere was very different
        • bone-dry
        • 90 atmos. of CO2
        • 750 K at surface (runaway greenhouse)
        • H2SO4 clouds
          • battery acid!
        • These conditions very inhospitable to life

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version