Mars is a planet of extremes, with its towering volcanoes, vast canyons, and intriguing craters. It will likely be a prime destination for future space tourists once the first colonies are established on the Red Planet. While the landing sites for these missions will likely be on flat plains for safety, these settlements could be located near Mars’ most fascinating geological features. Let’s explore some of the most exciting destinations future Martian explorers might visit.
Olympus Mons – The Solar System’s Largest Volcano
Olympus Mons is the tallest volcano in the solar system, a colossal shield volcano located in the Tharsis volcanic region. According to NASA, this massive formation is approximately the size of the state of Arizona. Olympus Mons stands at a staggering 16 miles (25 kilometers) tall, which makes it nearly three times the height of Mount Everest, Earth’s tallest mountain.
Unlike steep, rugged mountains on Earth, Olympus Mons’ gentle slopes, averaging around a 5% incline, could make it relatively easy for explorers to climb. At the summit, visitors would encounter a massive depression spanning 53 miles (85 kilometers), formed by the collapse of magma chambers after eruptions. The scale of Olympus Mons is mind-blowing, and future tourists would likely be in awe of this Martian giant.
The Tharsis Volcanoes – A Field of Giants
The Tharsis region is home to Olympus Mons, but it doesn’t stop there. This volcanic field contains 12 massive volcanoes spread across an area of 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers), according to NASA. These volcanoes are much larger than those on Earth, thanks to Mars’ lower gravity, which allows the structures to grow taller.
Among the most notable in this region are Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons. Each of these shield volcanoes stands about 16 miles (25 kilometers) tall, towering over the Martian landscape. This immense volcanic activity has shaped the planet for billions of years and left behind a wonderland of geological formations for future explorers to investigate.
Valles Marineris – Mars’ Grand Canyon
If Olympus Mons is the most massive volcano, Valles Marineris is the solar system’s largest canyon. This enormous system of canyons stretches for 1,850 miles (3,000 kilometers), making it nearly four times longer than Earth’s Grand Canyon, which is about 500 miles (800 kilometers) long.
Scientists are still trying to determine how Valles Marineris formed. Some theories suggest that it developed as the Tharsis volcanic region pushed upward, causing fractures in the crust that eventually grew into the vast canyon system we see today. Regardless of its origin, Valles Marineris would be a breathtaking sight for future tourists, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet.
Mars’ Polar Ice Caps – The North and South Poles
Mars has ice caps at both of its poles, each with unique characteristics. The north polar region was studied closely by the Phoenix lander in 2008, while the south pole has been examined by orbiting spacecraft. During the frigid Martian winters, temperatures plummet to the point that carbon dioxide freezes out of the atmosphere, forming a layer of ice on the surface.
In the summer, the carbon dioxide sublimates back into the atmosphere, leaving behind a water-ice cap in the north, while some carbon dioxide ice remains in the south. These seasonal ice movements have a profound impact on Martian weather and climate, creating winds and other atmospheric effects. The poles would be a striking and dynamic area for future visitors, with their icy landscapes offering a contrast to Mars’ otherwise dry and dusty surface.
Gale Crater and Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) – Evidence of Past Water
Gale Crater gained international fame after NASA’s Curiosity rover landed there in 2012. The crater has provided extensive evidence that water once flowed on Mars. Within weeks of landing, Curiosity discovered a streambed, and further exploration revealed more signs of water throughout the crater.
Currently, Curiosity is climbing Mount Sharp, a 3.4-mile-high (5.5-kilometer) mountain located within Gale Crater. As the rover ascends, it’s studying the different layers of rock to better understand Mars’ geological history. One of Curiosity’s key discoveries has been the detection of complex organic molecules in 3.5-billion-year-old rocks, alongside fluctuating levels of methane in the atmosphere. These findings raise tantalizing questions about whether microbial life may have once existed on Mars, and Gale Crater could become a popular tourist destination for those fascinated by the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Medusae Fossae – A Mysterious Martian Formation
Medusae Fossae is one of Mars’ more enigmatic regions, with some even suggesting it may be evidence of a UFO crash. However, the more widely accepted explanation is that it’s a vast volcanic deposit, approximately one-fifth the size of the United States. Over time, winds have sculpted the soft rock into unique, eye-catching formations.
According to a 2018 study, Medusae Fossae was likely formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions that occurred over 500 million years. These eruptions could have released enough greenhouse gases to warm Mars’ climate, temporarily making it more hospitable. For future visitors, the Medusae Fossae region would offer some of the most unusual and beautiful landscapes on the planet.
Recurring Slope Lineae – Water, or Something Else?
Recurring slope lineae (RSL) are one of the more intriguing and mysterious features on Mars. These dark streaks appear on the slopes of craters during warmer months, particularly in regions like Hale Crater. In 2015, NASA announced that hydrated salts detected in these streaks might indicate the presence of liquid water on the surface. However, subsequent research suggested that the RSL could be the result of atmospheric water or dry flows of sand.
Determining the true nature of RSL will require close-up investigation. However, if there are microbes living in these features, planetary protection protocols will prevent humans from getting too close for fear of contamination. For now, future tourists might have to admire these strange and possibly life-hosting formations from a distance, using binoculars.
Ghost Dunes – Evidence of Ancient Winds
In some areas of Mars, particularly in regions like Noctis Labyrinthus and the Hellas basin, researchers have discovered “ghost dunes.” These are the remnants of ancient sand dunes that were buried by lava or water, preserving their shapes. Over time, the tops of the dunes have eroded away, leaving behind their bases, which reveal how the winds once blew across the Martian surface.
Studying these ghost dunes provides valuable insights into Mars’ past climate, helping scientists piece together how the planet’s atmosphere and environment have changed over time. It’s even possible that microbes could be living in the sheltered areas of these dunes, protected from the harsh Martian winds and radiation. For tourists, ghost dunes offer a glimpse into the planet’s distant past and a chance to explore some of Mars’ more subtle but fascinating features.