Mars has a thin atmosphere, composed mostly of carbon dioxide, which leads to extreme temperature variations. Daytime temperatures can reach about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) near the equator, while nighttime temperatures can plummet to minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 73 degrees Celsius). Dust storms are common on Mars and can cover the entire planet, lasting for weeks or even months. These storms can significantly affect temperatures and visibility. Additionally, Mars experiences seasons similar to Earth due to its axial tilt, but they last about twice as long because a year on Mars is nearly 687 Earth days.