Q: Who was the first person to create a map of Mars? A: In 1877, Giovanni Schiaparelli, an Italian astronomer, was the first person to create a map of Mars. In his map, he showed a system of channels or canali, translated to canals or grooves in English.

Mars has fascinated us for years. From the time astronomers first turned their telescopes on the planet, we have imagined life there. Science fiction writers like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury and H.G. Wells have written about life on and invaders from Mars. We have sent robots to orbit the planet, land on its surface, and sample the rocks and soil. What have we learned about the planet Mars? Was it once like Earth? Is there or was there water on Mars? Is there or was there life on Mars?

In this article, we will examine the fascinating world of the red planet. We will look at the major geologic features of the planet, the climate, how the planet was formed, what may have happened to it and is there or was there water and/or life on Mars.

Mars Image Gallery

Photo courtesy NASA Viking 1 orbiter view of Mars, with the canyon Valles Marineris in the center. See more pictures of Mars.