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Martian orbital cycle and calendar
Overview
On September 30, 2026, Mars entered Year 39 of its current calendar system. This timekeeping method, first described by Todd Clancy in 2000, uses the planet’s orbit around the sun to facilitate scientific data comparison and climate studies.
The new Martian year begins at the northern vernal equinox, marking the start of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. Each Martian year lasts approximately 687 Earth days.
Due to the planet’s elliptical orbit, seasonal durations vary. As Mars approaches the sun during the second half of its year, the atmosphere warms and winds increase surface dust. Temperatures on the planet fluctuate from 0 to 60 degrees Celsius in the summer to as low as -110 degrees Celsius in the winter.
Entities
Mars · European Space Agency · Todd Clancy · NASA · Space Science Institute
Timeline
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[TECHNOLOGY] 2 sourcesMars begins new orbital cycle around the sun
Mars has begun a new 687-day orbit around the sun, marking the Martian New Year at the northern vernal equinox.
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[TECHNOLOGY] 2 sourcesMars calendar Year 39 begins September 30
September 30, 2026, marks the start of Year 39 on Mars, following a scientific timekeeping system used to study the planet's climate and facilitate data comparisons.
Sources
dnews.gr · earthsky.org · lifenewscy.tothemaonline.com · spaceweekly.com