Martian year
Learn how long a year is on Mars.
JPL/NASA
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn about the biochemistry and characteristics of the pea family (Fabaceae).
-
NASA/ReutersArtemis II astronauts named a new crater after their commander's late wife.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.One makes music. One gives advice in Pinocchio. Which is which?
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Overview of the challenges of human exploration of Mars.
-
NASA/GSFC/Scientific Visualization StudioView of Mars created with data from Viking and the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLAi) aboard the Mars Global Surveyor.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.NASA's Artemis program is looking to the Moon—and beyond.Media Editor: Lee Goldstein
-
NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of ArizonaWarm-season flows on a slope in Newton Crater on Mars, showing what might be evidence of salty liquid water active on the planet's surface. From photographs taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
News •
On this day in space! Nov. 13, 1971: NASA's Mariner 9 becomes 1st spacecraft to orbit Mars, revealing close looks at the Martian surface
• Nov. 13, 2026, 4:25 PM ET (Space)
NASA’s Perseverance confirms a key ingredient for life hidden in ancient Mars rocks
• Nov. 12, 2026, 6:38 AM ET (Science Daily)
Comets may have destroyed life's ingredients instead of delivering them to Earth
• Nov. 10, 2026, 4:03 AM ET (Science Daily)
NASA’s CHAPEA Mars crew finally emerges after more than a year in isolation
• Nov. 10, 2026, 12:02 AM ET (Science Daily)
Jupiter and Mars are set for a breathtaking close approach later this week: Here's how to see it
• Nov. 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET (Space)
Transcript
How long is a year on Mars?
The Earth zips around the Sun at about 67,000 miles per hour, making a full revolution in about 365 days - one year on Earth. Mars is a little slower, and farther from the sun, so a full circuit takes 687 Earth days - or one Mars year.
That longer year means longer seasons too. Over extended Martian winters, the shorter days and reduced sunlight mean that solar-powered spacecraft sometimes have to carefully conserve their energy.
Timing of Mars years is also important. Every 26 months, we come closer to Mars, so it's one of the best times to send spacecraft. A shorter trip means less time and fuel spent getting there.
When the Curiosity rover got to Mars, its mission was to explore Mars for at least 687 Earth days - one Mars year. But like our other long-lasting rovers, it hit its target and kept on rolling!
The Earth zips around the Sun at about 67,000 miles per hour, making a full revolution in about 365 days - one year on Earth. Mars is a little slower, and farther from the sun, so a full circuit takes 687 Earth days - or one Mars year.
That longer year means longer seasons too. Over extended Martian winters, the shorter days and reduced sunlight mean that solar-powered spacecraft sometimes have to carefully conserve their energy.
Timing of Mars years is also important. Every 26 months, we come closer to Mars, so it's one of the best times to send spacecraft. A shorter trip means less time and fuel spent getting there.
When the Curiosity rover got to Mars, its mission was to explore Mars for at least 687 Earth days - one Mars year. But like our other long-lasting rovers, it hit its target and kept on rolling!
Last Modification: