Why is Mars nicknamed the “Red Planet”?

Due to the presence of iron oxide on its surface

Mars is nicknamed the "Red Planet" because of the rich presence of iron oxide, or rust, on its surface, which gives it a characteristic reddish hue. This distinctive color makes it easily recognizable in the night sky and has fascinated humans since antiquity. Robotic missions to Mars have confirmed the mineral composition of its surface and continue to study its soil to unlock the secrets of its past, including the potential presence of water and conditions favorable to life. The fascination with the Red Planet fuels dreams of human exploration and the possibility of future colonization.