Mars 3D Orbit Simulator
Explore Mars in 3D, including its orbit around the Sun, distance, physical characteristics and major moons.
Explore Mars in 3D
Mars, the fourth planet, is a cold desert world with the largest volcano and canyon in the Solar System. Its noticeably elliptical orbit means its distance from Earth varies a lot.
Mars facts
| Mean radius | 3,390 km |
|---|---|
| Mass | 6.42 × 10²³ kg |
| Orbital period | 687 days (1.88 years) |
| Average distance from Sun | 1.52 AU (≈227.9 million km) |
| Day length | 24.6 hours |
| Number of moons | 2 |
| Notable moons | Phobos, Deimos |
Why Mars's orbit matters
Mars does not move in a perfect circle. Like every planet it follows an ellipse, so its distance from the Sun — and from Earth — changes over time. That is why Mars’s brightness and apparent size vary, and why it is best observed at certain times. See Keplerian orbits explained.
FAQ
Can I see Mars's moons?
Yes. Focus Mars in the simulator and turn on the Moons layer to watch Phobos, Deimos orbit it.
Is Mars shown to scale?
You can choose. Real-scale mode is physically faithful (so Mars looks tiny and far away), while visible mode enlarges it so it is easy to see.
Does the simulator use real orbital data?
Yes — Mars is placed using real Keplerian orbital elements. The model is simplified for clarity (see the Data Sources page), not a spacecraft-grade ephemeris.