With SpaceX, NASA and China planning manned missions to the Martian surface and scientists working to revolutionize access to the Red Planet, it's now only a matter of time before humans step foot on Mars. Follow our species' progress to a new world with Live Science's specialist Mars coverage. Our expert writers and editors publish lists, fact pages, explainers and coverage of the biggest Martian research, from evidence of recent water on the Red Planet to how the "building blocks of life" were discovered on Mars to the first clear images of "sun rays" from Mars' surface, in the latest Mars news, features articles
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—Mars: Facts about the Red Planet, its moons, and possibilities for life
Latest about Mars
NASA finds multi-billion-year-old 'coral' on Mars
NASA's Curiosity rover has snapped black and white images of a rock on the Martian surface that looks remarkably like a piece of coral.
Largest known Martian meteorite on Earth sells for $5.3 million at auction
The largest known Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, has been sold at auction for $5.3 million. The hefty chunk of the Red Planet, which weighs 54 pounds, could help unravel new secrets about Mars — if it's allowed to be studied.
Mystery of Mars' missing water could be solved by the planet's tipsy tilt
Mars has lost immense amounts of water over it lifetime, and scientists aren't sure exactly how. New research hints that the planet's violently varying tilt may be a key factor.
Why does Mars look purple, yellow and orange in ESA's stunning new satellite image?
Surprising colors and stunning features are captured in a new image of Mars' surface.
Mars rover captures first close-up photos of giant 'spiderwebs' on the Red Planet
NASA's Curiosity rover has snapped its first images of web-like "boxwork" features on the surface of Mars. The zig-zagging rocks could provide clues about the Red Planet's watery past and whether it once harbored extraterrestrial life.
