Color photos and diagrams fill this overview of Mars, which describes its surface, how it was formed, its climate and moons, Mars myths, and the history of Mars research. Also includes a glossary and further-reading list.

Where is Mars? -- First view -- Getting closer -- What's it like on the surface? -- Volcanoes and canyons -- Highlands and plains -- The polar caps -- What is Mars made of? -- How did Mars form? -- Weather and climate -- A typical day -- Martian meteorites -- Moons of Mars -- Stories and myths -- Early discoveries -- Missions to Mars -- Viking probes -- Later missions -- Could humans live there?