INTERNATIONAL DAY

Red Planet Day

Join us in honoring our cosmic neighbor, Mars, with a day of discovery and fun.

NOV28

Saturday, November 28Every year on November 28

days to go

Roots: Launch of Mariner 4 in 1964
Vibe: Curiosity and exploration of the cosmos
Also on Nov 28: International Aura Awareness Day · Small Business Saturday · Alan Day
Hashtag: #RedPlanetDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Watch a Mars documentary

Cuddle up with a film about the red planet and its missions.

WITH FRIENDS

Stargaze together

Head outside with a star app and hunt for Mars in the night sky.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Share Mars facts

Quiz the class or office on cool facts about the planet's canyons and volcanoes.

Plan ahead

Red Planet Day is observed on November 28 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, Nov 28this year

2027Sun, Nov 28

2028Tue, Nov 28

2029Wed, Nov 28

2030Thu, Nov 28

2031Fri, Nov 28

2032Sun, Nov 28

2033Mon, Nov 28

2034Tue, Nov 28

2035Wed, Nov 28

2036Fri, Nov 28

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Mars comes within about 33.9 million miles of Earth

Mars has the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons

The story

On November 28, 1964, humanity took a significant step towards understanding our neighboring planet, Mars, with the launch of Mariner 4, which became the first successful Mars flyby in July 1965. This spacecraft provided the first close-up images of the Martian surface, revealing a world that was both eerily familiar and starkly different from Earth. The images sparked immense interest and imagination, igniting a passion for space exploration that continues to this day.

Read the full story

Red Planet Day serves as a reminder of the incredible advancements in space technology and exploration. From the early missions of the 1960s to the recent Perseverance rover landing in February 2021, each step has brought us closer to understanding Mars and the potential for human life on its surface. Scientists and researchers from around the globe collaborate to study Mars, focusing on its geology, climate, and the possibility of past life.

Celebrating Red Planet Day can take many forms, from educational programs in schools to community events that inspire interest in STEM fields. Families can explore Mars-themed activities, while individuals can participate in online discussions or stargazing sessions to connect with the cosmos. This day encourages reflection on our place in the universe and the ongoing quest for knowledge.

As we look to the future, the prospect of human missions to Mars is becoming more tangible. Organizations like NASA and private companies, such as SpaceX, are actively working towards sending humans to the Red Planet, aiming for the 2030s. Red Planet Day not only celebrates past achievements but also inspires future generations to dream big and reach for the stars.