| MARS | ||||||||
|
|
Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun in the solar system,
is the next one beyond Earth's orbit. Its red color inspired the Greeks and Romans
to name it after their god of war, Ares, or Mars. The distance of Mars from Earth,
and hence its brightness, vary considerably. At times it is the third-brightest object
in the night sky, surpassed only by the Moon and Venus.
The planet Mars was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In Greek mythology, he was called Ares. Most of the English words derived from Mars have to do with war, such as "martial " (martial law, martial arts)and "marshall" (Field Marshall, a military rank). Being a warlike god, Mars was brutal, ferocious, and delighted in slaughter and plundering, but could also be cowardly. |
||||||
Source: Grollier's Multimedia Encyclopedia, © 1998 Grolier Interactive Inc.
| Copyright © 2009, KET |
