What is temperature in mars
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Temperature on Mars: An Overview
Martian Surface Temperature Distribution
The surface temperature on Mars varies significantly based on location and time of day. Historical radiometric measurements indicate that the bright areas along the center of the Martian disk have temperatures ranging from -10°C to +5°C, while the dark areas range from 10°C to 20°C3. The polar regions exhibit extreme temperatures, with the north polar region maintaining a constant -70°C during winter, and the south polar region reaching up to 10°C during summer3. The average temperature of the entire Martian disk in late June was recorded at -30°C3.
Thermal Inertia and Latitudinal Temperature Gradient
The thermal inertia of Mars, which affects how quickly the surface heats up or cools down, varies across different regions. Darker areas have higher thermal inertia compared to brighter areas, suggesting larger particle sizes or higher atmospheric pressure in these regions1. The latitudinal temperature gradient shows temperatures around 145K (-128°C) at 60° winter latitudes, consistent with the presence of CO2 polar caps1. Minimum temperatures across all latitudes fall below 190K (-83°C), leading to condensation of atmospheric water vapor at night1.
Atmospheric Temperature Profile
The Martian atmosphere's temperature profile is influenced by radiative and convective processes. The average surface temperature is estimated to be around 230K (-43°C)2. The troposphere, extending up to about 9 km, shows a decrease in temperature with height, reaching an average of 90K (-183°C) in the uppermost layers2. Near-surface atmospheric temperatures, measured by the Mars Exploration Rovers, are consistently 20K cooler than the surface temperatures during the warmest part of the day5.
Seasonal and Diurnal Temperature Variations
Mars experiences significant seasonal and diurnal temperature variations. During the perihelion season, the planet is warmer and dustier, with higher atmospheric temperatures and greater interannual variability8. Conversely, the aphelion season is cooler and cloudier, with less interannual variability8. Diurnal temperature fluctuations are also notable, with near-surface atmospheric temperatures showing up to 8K variations during early afternoon hours5.
Impact of Milankovitch Cycles
Mars' temperature response to Milankovitch cycles, particularly precession and obliquity, affects the annual mean surface temperature. Precession cycles dominate temperature variations near ±60° latitude, while obliquity cycles control temperatures at other latitudes6. This phenomenon influences the distribution and stability of ice-rich permafrost layers on the planet6.
Implications for Human Exploration
Despite the harsh temperatures, the Martian atmosphere's low density means that the perceived wind chill is less severe than on Earth. The equivalent temperature on Mars can be significantly higher than the actual air temperature, making the environment slightly more tolerable for human explorers than raw temperature readings suggest7.
Conclusion
Mars presents a diverse and dynamic thermal environment, with temperatures influenced by surface properties, atmospheric conditions, and orbital cycles. Understanding these variations is crucial for future exploration and potential habitation efforts. The data gathered from various missions and studies provide a comprehensive picture of the Martian climate, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for human presence on the Red Planet.
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.
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.
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.
Martian Windchill in Terrestrial Terms
Mars' windchill is less dangerous than it sounds due to weak convection and a meager atmosphere, making it more comfortable for humans than previously thought.
Interannual 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 CitedEarly Mars: How Warm and How Wet?
Early Mars experienced a warmer, wetter climate, but its temperature may have been driven by geothermal heat and impacts, rather than precipitation.
Highly CitedEarly Mars climate near the Noachian–Hesperian boundary: Independent evidence for cold conditions from basal melting of the south polar ice sheet (Dorsa Argentea Formation) and implications for valley network formation
Basal melting of the south polar ice sheet near the Noachian-Hesperian boundary suggests a cold and relatively dry Mars climate, similar to the Antarctic Dry Valleys, with seasonal melting forming transient streams and permanent ice-covered lakes.
Highly Cited