Top 10 Most Exciting Destinations on Mars for Future Martian Explorers

Mars has long been a source of fascination and curiosity, inspiring generations of scientists and explorers alike. With the recent advances in space exploration technology, humans are now closer than ever to visiting and even settling on the red planet. With the possibility of a human mission to Mars within our lifetime, it’s no wonder that the idea of being a Martian explorer has become increasingly desirable.

The question is, where do you start? To help narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most exciting destinations on Mars for future explorers. From the mysterious Valles Marineris to the towering Olympus Mons, these locations provide the perfect blend of beauty and intrigue, and are sure to inspire our future Martian adventurers. So, strap on your space suit and let’s explore what Mars has to offer!

Overview of Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second smallest planet in the Solar System (after Mercury). While it has been explored extensively by robots, humans have yet to set foot on its surface. This is mainly due to its inhospitable conditions: significant amounts of radiation, an average surface temperature of about -63 °C, atmospheric pressure less than 1% of Earth’s, and a surface that is mostly anoxic sand and dust. However, it holds great promise as an extraterrestrial destination for the future. It is the most likely candidate for the first human exploration, colonization and settlement outside of low Earth orbit. It has the potential to be a unique source of science and discovery and a stepping stone for exploration of the Solar System. It is also the most promising source of renewable energy and minerals, offering a potential economic boon for the economies involved in its exploration.

Top 10 Most Exciting Destinations on Mars

Olympus Mons - Olympus Mons is the largest volcano in the Solar System and one of the most exciting and beautiful destinations on Mars. Standing 26 km tall, this colossal Martian shield volcano towers above the surrounding plains and is thought to be one of the youngest features on the entire planet.

Orbital view of Mars' Olympus Mons volcano. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Valles Marineris - This is Mars’ largest canyon and is easily one of the most exciting destinations on the planet. It is over 4000 km long and 7 km deep, making it one of the largest canyons in the Solar System. This impressive formation has been carved out by the flowing of liquid water, making it a truly unique Martian feature and a fascinating place to explore.

Valles Marineris seen in this Viking 1 orbiter image mosaic. (Image credit: NASA)

Hellas Planitia - Located in the southern hemisphere of Mars, this is the largest plain on the planet, and makes for an interesting destination for Martian explorers. Its flat, smooth landscape and proximity to the equator make it a great place to study Martian sand dunes, which are some of the largest sand dunes in the Solar System.

Hellas, with a diameter of 2300 km and a depth of over 7 km. (Image credit: ESA/DLR)

Gale Crater - This is the landing site of the Mars Curiosity rover, and a very exciting destination for future Martian explorers. It is a 91-km wide crater that holds a mountain of layered clay minerals and makes for a very distinctive Martian landscape. It was formed approximately 3.9 billion years ago when a large asteroid or comet impacted the planet, and this crater holds a treasure trove of information about the history of Mars.

Gale Crater is 154 km in diameter and holds a layered mountain rising about 5 km above the crater floor. (Image credit: NASA)

Tharsis - Tharsis is a massive Martian volcanic province and one of the most exciting Martian destinations for future explorers. It covers an area approximately the size of Western Europe and is home to three of the tallest volcanoes in the Solar System, including Olympus Mons. It has been formed by the movement of Mars’ tectonic plates, making it a truly Martian feature.

The Tharsis region (shown in shades of red and brown) dominates the western hemisphere of Mars. (Image credit: NASA)

Argyre Planitia - This is a large Martian basin and an exciting destination for future Martian explorers. It is thought to have been formed when a large asteroid or comet hit the planet, and its distinct basin feature makes it a great place to study Martian surface processes.

Situated in a flat part of the basin known as Argyre Planitia, Hooke crater has a diameter of 138 km. (Image credit: ESA)

Syrtis Major Planum - Syrtis Major Planum is a large Martian plain and an exciting destination for future Martian explorers. It is dust-covered and very similar to the sea-surface of our own planet, making it a great Martian analog for the study of surface processes and exploration.

Syrtis Major, discovered in 1659 by Christaan Huygens, is a volcanic province on Mars. (Image credit: ESA)

Terra Cimmeria - This is a Martian desert and an exciting destination for future Martian explorers. It is home to a wide range of different Martian surface features and is a great place for Martian explorers to practice their surface exploration skills and science techniques.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Context Camera view of an unnamed gullied crater in Terra Cimmeria. (Image credit: NASA/JPL)

Acidalia Planitia - This is a Martian plain and an exciting destination for future Martian explorers. It is a great Martian analog for the study of surface processes and exploration.

The transition between Acidalia Planitia and Tempe Terra is shown here in a computer-generated perspective view. (Image credit: ESA)

Noctis Labyrinthus - This is a Martian mountain range and an exciting destination for future Martian explorers. It is a great Martian analog for the study of surface processes and exploration.

This image was taken by the High-Resolution Stereo Camera, onboard ESA’s Mars Express. (Image credit: ESA/DLR)

As we conclude our exploration of the top 10 most exciting destinations on Mars for future Martian explorers, it's clear that the Red Planet offers an abundance of wonders waiting to be discovered. From towering volcanoes and vast canyons to ancient riverbeds and potentially habitable underground caves, Mars is a planet brimming with possibilities.

Future Martian explorers will have the chance to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, with hues of red and gold painting the horizon as the dusty winds swirl. They will study the remnants of ancient river channels, unraveling the history of water on Mars and potentially uncovering evidence of past life.

But the true excitement lies not only in the geological wonders of Mars but also in the possibilities for human colonization. These destinations could become the foundations for future settlements, where pioneers will create self-sustaining habitats and unlock the potential for long-term survival on the Red Planet.

So, future Martian explorers, prepare yourselves for an extraordinary adventure. The Red Planet awaits your arrival, ready to reveal its secrets and offer a new frontier for humanity. Safe travels, pioneers of Mars!