This drawing illustrates "eccentricity". Click on image for full size version (40K GIF)

This drawing illustrates the large excursions in standard distance from the sun possible over the course of a Martian year. (The drawing slightly exaggerates the size scales).

If conditions are just right, there are times when Mars can experience a great deal more warming than normal.

Earth does not have the same potential for the climate extremes possible for Mars.

This drawing illustrates "eccentricity". Click on image for full size version (40K GIF)

This drawing illustrates the large differences in distance from the sun possible for Mars. (The drawing exaggerates the size scales a little).

If conditions are just right, there are times when Mars can experience a great deal more warming by the sun than normal.

Earth does not have the potential for the kind of climate extremes that Mars does.

This drawing illustrates "eccentricity". Click on image for full size version (40K GIF)

This drawing shows the large differences in distance from the sun possible for Mars. (The drawing exaggerates a little).

If conditions are just right, there are times when Mars can experience a great deal more warming by the sun than normal.