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Some of these pictures were taken by Mars rovers, and some are scenes from the movie 'The Martian.' Can you tell the difference?

Can You Tell The Difference Between Pictures Of Mars And Scenes From 'The Martian?'

This was an easy one! We have never sent a man to Mars, so this scene is from 'The Martian.' However, a manned mission to Mars is a possibility for the future according to NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman.

'The Martian!'

We'll start easy. Is this picture from 'The Martian' or was it taken on Mars?

This selfie was taken by the Mars rover Curiosity on the Namib Dune. Curiosity doesn't just take selfies for fun though! These selfies help NASA make sure Curiosity is in good shape or if anything on it is damaged.

Mars!

This one should be easy too. Was this selfie taken for 'The Martian' or on Mars?

This landscape was a CG recreation made for the movie 'The Martian.' Most landscapes from Mars lack contrast and color we see on Earth which is added here. Although it might fool you because Mars does have dunes and mountains.

Is this beautiful landscape found on the barren planet Mars, or was used in 'The Martian?'

This scene from 'The Martian' was actually shot in Wadi Rum in Jordan. While the desert landscape looks like it could be on Mars, you can see some plants growing. Not only is it much too cold (about -70 F on average) on Mars for any plants to grow outside, but there's not enough atmosphere for plants to survive outside on Mars.

It's 'The Martian!'

Is this landscape from a planet far far away or from a planet closer to home?

This landscape image of the Marathon Valley was taken by the rover Opportunity. Mineral evidence suggests that this area may have once been a lake or other kind of wetland. Areas like this can tell us about what the martian environment may have been long ago.

It's Mars!

Is this picture from our favorite red planet, or a shot from 'The Martian?'

This landscape also has the touched up colors and contrast that we do not actually see on Mars. The haze seen here is also not generally seen on Mars, as its atmosphere is 100 times thinner than Earth's. Mars does have many mountains though, so this scene could have tripped you up.

It's 'The Martian' this time!

Starting to get a feel for it yet? Is this landscape from Mars or 'The Martian?'

This image of the Bagnold Dunes near the base of Mount Sharp was taken by Curiosity. These dunes move by up to one meter a year and sand slides occur frequently due to the winds that blow across the surface of Mars.

This one's Mars!

Is this beautiful landscape from our red neighbor or can it be found here on Earth?

This formation, known as the 'Kimberley' formation is near the base of Mount Sharp on Mars. The dip towards the mountain shows that water used to flow towards and ancient basin at the foot of Mount Sharp. The contrast on the image has been adjusted to look like it would on Earth.

We're still on Mars!

Can you tell if we're still on Mars or have we moved to a Hollywood Studio?

This image was created for 'The Martian.' Like the images before, this one has been touched up to create extra colors and contrast. But we do see dunes and mountains in placements very similar to those on Mars. Features like this could have been caused by running water long ago.

This one's 'The Martian!'

Almost there! Is this image from Mars or from 'The Martian?'

This image of the Marias Pass was taken by Curiosity. The lighter region in the center shows where mudstone meets sandstone in two different geological areas. Curiosity also found this area to be rich in silica, a chemical that helps form minerals in rocks.

Last One! Mars or 'The Martian?'

You're starting to get the hang of it, but you need to do a lot more research. NASA has a lot of great articles on the cool science that Curiosity and other Mars missions are doing, include a lot of great pictures of Mars. You should check them out!
(Images of Mars from www.photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov
and scenes from 'The Martian' from the movie 'The Martian.')

Student

You're can almost tell the difference between the real Mars and Hollywood's Mars. You still need to do a little research, but there's plenty of pictures of Mars out there to look at! Keep up the good work and maybe you can visit the red planet some day!
(Images of Mars from www.photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov
and scenes from 'The Martian' from the movie 'The Martian.')

Amateur Astonomer

You know your stuff! Telling the difference between the real Mars and the movie Mars is a breeze for you. But there's still plenty out there to learn! NASA and Curiosity have lots of science to do now and plenty to do in the future!
(Images of Mars from www.photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov
and scenes from 'The Martian' from the movie 'The Martian.')

Professional Astronomer

You're Mark Watney! You must have been to Mars before to know so much and be able to tell the difference between a real Martian landscape and the movie! We're glad to have you safely back on Earth. Now go share all of your awesome Mars knowledge with the world!
(Images of Mars from www.photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov
and scenes from 'The Martian' from the movie 'The Martian.')

Literally Mark Watney

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Can You Tell The Difference Between Pictures Of Mars And Scenes From 'The Martian?'

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