Well into the 20th century, astronomers envisioned a Mars that bore many parallels to Earth. The illusion was shattered by Mariner 4's flyby of the barren planet in 1965. Subsequent exploration has proved it to be a very different place: colder, incomparably drier, and with a thin atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide. Martian topography reveals extremes that far outstrip similar features on Earth; the tallest mountain in the solar system - the mighty volcano Olympus Mons - is more than two and a half times the height of Earth's tallest volcanic peak, Mauna Loa.
Explore Earth's most researched neighbor with this compelling and attractive map of Mars! This dual hemisphere map, though depicting a world alien to our own, elicits a sense of familiarity with the way it is presented. Drawn in Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area projection, this map offers a uniquely detailed look into the planet's physical features. A drawn fresco of Mars' rugged, inhabitable landscape provides context, as does a separate elevation map.
This map is an attractive product for the budding astronomer. It makes an essential companion to Milky Way: Earth's Galactic Home, and its size makes it perfect for a gallery wall.
This map is found in National Geographic's 10th Edition World Atlas, published to mark the 100th anniversary of National Geographic Cartography, and is now available as a stand alone product.
Your laminated map has a glossy finish so that you can use dry erase markers on the map to highlight features, make plans, and share unique information with others. Lamination is also extremely durable, resistant to folding or ripping.
Your map is rolled and packaged in a sturdy tube to protect it during shipment.
