What is temp on mars
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Temperature on Mars: An Overview
Martian Surface Temperature Variations
The surface temperature on Mars exhibits significant variation due to its thin atmosphere and lack of substantial greenhouse effect. Observations from various studies indicate that the average surface temperature on Mars ranges between 219K to 233K, depending on the location and time of year5. The temperature can drop significantly at night, often falling below 190K, which leads to the condensation of atmospheric water vapor and contributes to the formation of "dawn haze"1.
Seasonal and Latitudinal Temperature Differences
Mars experiences substantial seasonal and latitudinal temperature differences. During the Martian winter, temperatures at 60° latitude can drop to approximately 145K, especially near the polar caps, which are composed partly of CO21. In contrast, during the summer, temperatures in the south polar region can rise to around 10°C4. The average temperature of the entire Martian disk during late June has been recorded at about -30°C4.
Atmospheric Temperature Profile
The Martian atmosphere also shows a distinct temperature profile with height. The average surface temperature is around 230K, and the temperature decreases with altitude, reaching about 90K at the topmost layers of the atmosphere2. Near-surface atmospheric temperatures, approximately 1.1 meters above the surface, are consistently 20K cooler than the surface temperatures during the warmest part of the day7.
Impact of Dust Storms on Temperature
Dust storms on Mars have a significant impact on atmospheric temperatures. During dust storm events, the atmosphere can heat up abruptly by about 15K at 0.5 mbar pressure level, which corresponds to an altitude of approximately 25 km8. These storms also contribute to interannual variability in atmospheric temperatures, with the perihelion season (when Mars is closest to the Sun) being warmer and dustier compared to the aphelion season9.
Influence of Orbital Cycles
Mars' temperature is also influenced by its orbital cycles, particularly precession and obliquity. The annual mean surface temperature near ±60° latitude varies predominantly with precession, while at other latitudes, it is controlled by the obliquity cycle3. This variation affects the distribution of ice-rich permafrost layers and the overall thermal dynamics of the planet.
Conclusion
In summary, the temperature on Mars is highly variable, influenced by factors such as latitude, season, altitude, and dust storms. The average surface temperature ranges from 219K to 233K, with significant drops at night and during winter seasons. The Martian atmosphere shows a steep temperature gradient with height, and dust storms can cause abrupt heating. Understanding these temperature dynamics is crucial for future exploration and potential habitation of Mars.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Martian temperatures and thermal properties
Martian temperatures are consistent with predictions, suggesting a polar cap composed of CO2 and a minimum temperature below 190°K at all latitudes.
A THEORETICAL ESTIMATE OF THE AVERAGE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE IN THE MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE
The Martian atmosphere has an average temperature profile with a adiabatic troposphere extending to 9 km, and a temperature decrease with height to about 90°K for the topmost 5 mb layer.
Temperature response of Mars to Milankovitch cycles
Mars annual surface temperature near 60° latitude varies primarily with precession, not closely related to annual mean insolation, and is influenced by the obliquity cycle.
Theoretical estimates of the average surface temperature on mars
The average surface temperature on Mars is in the range 219K to 233K, with reasonable agreement between theoretical computations and thermal emission observations.
Surface and near-surface atmospheric temperatures for the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites
Near-surface atmospheric temperatures on Mars are consistently 20 K cooler than surface temperatures, with seasonal cooling trends and seasonal variations in temperature variations.
An intercomparison of ground-based millimeter, MGS TES, and Viking atmospheric temperature measurements: Seasonal and interannual variability of temperatures and dust loading in the global Mars atmosphere
Mars atmospheric temperatures show significant interannual variations during the perihelion dust storm season and post-aphelion northern summer season, with colder temperatures observed during 1997-1999 perihelion periods.
Highly CitedInterannual variability in TES atmospheric observations of Mars during 1999–2003
Mars' climate shows high interannual variability in dust optical depth and atmospheric temperature during perihelion season, while cool, cloudy, and free of dust during aphelion season.
Highly Cited