atmospheres of Mars

Mars has a very thin atmosphere, composed mostly of carbon dioxide (about 95%), with trace amounts of nitrogen and argon. Its atmosphere is much less dense than Earth's, providing little insulation or protection from radiation. This thin layer results in temperatures that can swing dramatically from freezing cold at night to relatively warm during the day. The atmosphere's scarcity and composition make Mars a challenging environment for liquid water and human exploration, but studying it helps scientists understand planetary climates and the potential for past or present life.