Red Planet Day, observed annually on November 28, marks the launch of NASA’s Mariner 4 spacecraft in 1964. Launched with the objective of Mars exploration, Mariner 4 achieved the historic feat of becoming the first craft to reach the red planet. After an eight-month journey, it executed a fly-by on July 14, 1965. The spacecraft, designed for close scientific observations, transmitted valuable data about Mars’ diverse terrain, encompassing canyons, volcanoes, deserts, polar ice caps, and seasonal changes. This milestone in space exploration contributes significantly to our understanding of Mars, akin to Earth, unveiling its geological intricacies.
