The climate they faced on Mars was very destructive. Summer burned the canals dry. The painted houses flaked and peeled.
for evidence of life on Mars. But eventually, humans will also be sent to explore the fourth planet from the Sun.
We already have an idea of what astronauts will chow down on during their six-month journey to the Red Planet, but what type of conditions will the brave crew face when they get there?
In a nutshell: Mars is cold, dry and dusty. Not very pleasant.
To get a better idea of what we know about Mars' environment so far, here's a brief Q&A.
What is the average temperature on Mars?
Many people think of Mars as being hot because it is red. But it's actually very cold due its distance from the sun. The average annual temperature is -64°F. At its hottest, Mars could hit 80°F near the equator in the middle of the day. In the Martian winter, temperatures could fall to -199°F. The temperature also varies with altitude; it drops dramatically as you move above the surface