ATMOSPHERE
Mars has a thin atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide with traces of nitrogen and argon. It's much thinner than Earth's, creating a harsh environment with extreme temperature variations (-195°C to 20°C) and low atmospheric pressure, equivalent to about 1% of Earth's. Dust storms, prevalent due to fine dust particles suspended in the air, can cover the entire planet, impacting visibility and surface operations. The lack of a strong magnetic field also exposes Mars to harmful solar and cosmic radiation, making it inhospitable for unprotected human habitation.