The "Red Planet" is a common nickname for the planet Mars. Mars is often referred to as the Red Planet because of its reddish appearance, which is due to iron oxide, or rust, on its surface. The planet's reddish color can be seen even from Earth with the naked eye. Mars has been a subject of scientific interest and exploration for many years due to its similarities to Earth and the potential for past or present life on the planet. Several missions, both robotic and human, have been sent to Mars to study its geology, climate, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.