We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

What Would a Trip to Mars Look Like For a Tourist?

A trip to Mars wouldn't exactly be a relaxing vacation. Learn what it would be like to stay or live on Mars.

By Sara Novak
Sep 8, 2023 4:00 PM
futuristic bedroom on planet Mars, cozy room with round windows looking out to the martian landscape
(Credit:Dotted Yeti/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

By NASA’s current estimates, it would take around 2 to 3 years to get to Mars, and that’s on a good day when its orbit comes closest to Earth. And once you get there, it’s not exactly an Eden away from home. Rather, it’s an arid Martian desert with temperatures reaching -81 degrees Fahrenheit regularly.

It’s not habitable without spacesuits and a completely enclosed environment because Mars’ air is about 95 percent carbon dioxide. There’s also no liquid water found on its surface.

But that hasn’t stopped humans from wanting to visit the planet. So what would this outer-planet tourism really entail?

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.