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Red Planet Day is celebrated on November 28 each year. It is an opportunity to learn about Mars, often referred to as the “Red Planet” because of its reddish appearance. The planet is named after the Roman god of war and is the seventh smallest planet in the Solar System. Mars shares similarities with Earth, including seasonal cycles and rotational periods. It has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, and is home to Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the Solar System.
“Going to Mars would evolve humankind into a two-planet species” – Buzz Aldrin.
Red Planet Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 28 | Thursday |
| 2025 | November 28 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 28 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 28 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 28 | Tuesday |
History of Red Planet Day
The day commemorates the launch of the spacecraft Mariner 4, a robotic interplanetary probe, on November 28, 1964, by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). During its eight-month journey, Mariner 4 became the first spacecraft to successfully fly by Mars. It provided the world with the first close-up images of the planet. Since then, numerous exploratory missions have been sent to Mars to gather data.
The spacecraft’s 228-day mission brought it within 6,118 miles of Mars on July 14, 1965, when it transmitted the first close-up images of the Red Planet back to Earth. Because Mars shares several similarities with Earth, many scientists and astronomers believe that, at some point in its history, Mars may have been a habitable planet.
This day is an ideal opportunity to learn more about Mars and its significance in our quest for knowledge about the universe.
Other Celebrations on November 28
November 28 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate the Day
Celebrate Red Planet Day by taking a few moments to gaze up at the sky and admire our neighboring planet, Mars. When it is within visible range, it appears as a bright celestial object that can often be seen without a telescope. You can also observe this special day by learning more about the fascinating Red Planet and exploring stunning images of it. Share your thoughts, along with pictures of Mars, on social media using the hashtag #RedPlanetDay.