Why is Mars much colder than Earth?
Quick Answer
Mars is farther from the Sun and has a much thinner atmosphere, so it receives less heat and traps far less of it. Its low atmospheric pressure also allows temperatures to swing sharply.
The Full Story
Mars is colder than Earth because it gets only about 43% as much sunlight and has a very thin atmosphere, made mostly of carbon dioxide but far too thin to hold much heat. With a surface pressure less than 1% of Earth’s, Mars cannot retain warmth effectively. Its average surface temperature is about -63°C, though it can rise above freezing near the equator in summer. Thin air also means heat escapes quickly after sunset, causing extreme daily temperature changes.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why Mars is a frozen desert despite having daytime warmth."