Given that sound waves need an atmospheric medium through which to travel, many people are surprised to learn that any sounds at all can be heard on Mars. The atmospheric pressure on the surface of Mars is small, amounting to around 0.1 percent of the Earth’s sea level pressure. But even at Mars’ low pressure, acoustic signals within the frequency range of the human ear can be detected.

And while the atmosphere of Mars is very different from Earth’s, consisting mostly of carbon dioxide, there are similarities between these environments that should make the sound data interesting and important.

Hear how some famous people might sound on Mars -- visit The Planetary Society's "Marsinator" page.