No other planet in our Solar System has fascinated humankind more than Mars. What is it about this dusty, dry world that has captured our imaginations and driven us to explore it?

Named after the Roman god of war, Mars is one of the most intensely studied planets in our Solar System. Beginning with our earliest studies of the ‘red planet’, Patricia Skelton embarks on a journey of discovery, encompassing everything from ancient astronomy to contemporary pop culture. Learn about the space missions that have transformed our understanding of Mars, the rovers that call it home today and the challenges facing us as we aim to send humans there in the future.