Mars also has its own New Year? Future Martians, come and see how to celebrate the Martian New Year

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The Martian New Year refers to the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere of Mars, marking the beginning of a new year on Mars. This concept is different from the New Year on Earth. The Martian New Year begins on the vernal equinox, which is a start full of vitality and hope. Mars' rotation period is 24 hours, 37 minutes and 22.7 seconds, and the inclination of its axis of rotation is 25.19 degrees, which is similar to that of the Earth. Therefore, Mars also experiences the alternation of day and night and the change of seasons. However, the overall temperature of Mars is much lower than that of the Earth, with an average annual temperature of about minus 60 degrees Celsius, which makes the environment on Mars particularly harsh.

Features of the Martian New Year

1. Uneven seasons : The lengths of the four seasons on Mars are not uniform. Because the eccentricity of its orbit is greater than that of the Earth, the lengths of the four seasons on Mars are not uniform. Astronomers have found that the spring and summer in the northern hemisphere of Mars are about one-third longer than the autumn and winter. This uneven seasons adds more mystery to Mars.

2. Dust storm : The sandstorm on Mars is one of its unique landscapes. When the southern hemisphere of Mars enters spring and summer, the temperature difference between the northern and southern hemispheres increases due to the closer distance between Mars and the sun, which often triggers violent sandstorms. These sandstorms sometimes sweep across the entire planet and can last for more than three months, adding a touch of wild color to Mars.

3. Long orbital period : The length of a Martian year is much longer than that of an Earth year. Since Mars is farther from the sun, its orbital period is about 687 Earth days, equivalent to about 1.88 Earth years. This makes the passage of time on Mars appear to be slower and more solemn.

Celebration of the Martian New Year

The arrival of the Martian New Year is not only a change of astronomical phenomena, but also a new starting point for exploration and discovery. As human exploration of the universe continues to deepen, we look forward to learning more about this mysterious and fascinating red planet in the future. The Martian calendar began in 1955 on Earth. April 11 of that year was the first Martian New Year. November 12, 2024 is the 38th Martian New Year. The next New Year will be September 30, 2026 on Earth. Interestingly, in order to prevent a situation similar to the absence of the year 0 on Earth, scientists also deliberately defined May 24, 1953 as Year 0 in the Martian calendar.

The meaning of the Martian New Year

The arrival of the Martian New Year marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere of Mars, autumn in the southern hemisphere, and the end of the dust storm season that has spread across the planet. This is undoubtedly a valuable period for the exploration and study of Mars. With the arrival of the Martian New Year, we can expect a new spring in the northern hemisphere of Mars. During this season, the atmosphere of Mars will gradually become clearer, and the landforms and features on the surface will become more clearly visible. This is undoubtedly a valuable period for the exploration and study of Mars.

Celebrations of the Martian New Year

The celebration of the Martian New Year begins on the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere, a tradition that has been going on for decades. Since the Martian New Year began to be celebrated on Earth in 1955, November 12, 2024 marks the 38th Martian New Year. The length of a Martian year is much longer than an Earth year, equivalent to approximately 1.88 Earth years.

On this special day, we extend our sincerest blessings to Mars, wishing it a happy new year, and we look forward to deeper exploration and discovery of Mars in the future.