Martian dust is mostly rust. Mars’s famed color has captivated humankind for centuries, earning its nickname of the ‘Red Planet’. Romans named Mars for their god of war because its colour was reminiscent of blood, while Egyptians called it ‘Her Desher’, meaning ‘the red one.’ CREDIT: A.Valantinas.

Thanks to new research techniques published today, scientists say that "our understanding of why Mars is red has been transformed."

Mars has been red for millions of years longer than previously thought, suggests new research. The study has "transformed" understanding of how the "r ed planet " developed its distinct hue, say American scientists.

The Red Planet, as it’s often called, has a distinct hue, and a new theory about this coloration could have implications for our understanding of Mars' evolution.