Annual observance

Red Planet Day

November 28 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

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Overview

Red Planet Day is celebrated annually on November 28th to honor our celestial neighbor, Mars, and commemorate the launch of Mariner 4. Launched in 1964, Mariner 4 became the first spacecraft to successfully fly by Mars, providing humanity's initial close-up views of the red planet.

Observed each year on November 28, Red Planet Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Red Planet Day, observed on November 28, celebrates the historic launch of Mariner 4 in 1964, which marked humanity's first close encounter with Mars. This holiday highlights our ongoing fascination with space exploration and the quest to understand our neighboring planet.

Origin and story

Red Planet Day commemorates the launch of Mariner 4, the first spacecraft to successfully fly by Mars.

Mariner 4 was launched by NASA on November 28, 1964, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Quick facts

  • DateNovember 28
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

  • Plan something small on November 28: a quick nod to Red Planet Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
  • Bring Red Planet Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Red Planet, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Red Planet Day lands on November 28 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

  • Red Planet Day commemorates the launch of Mariner 4, the first spacecraft to successfully fly by Mars.
  • Mariner 4 was launched by NASA on November 28, 1964, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
  • It successfully transmitted 21 close-up images of Mars, revealing a cratered, moon-like surface.
  • The reddish appearance of Mars is due to the presence of iron oxide, commonly known as rust, on its surface.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is Red Planet Day?
It is observed on November 28 each year.
What is Red Planet Day?
Red Planet Day is celebrated annually on November 28th to honor our celestial neighbor, Mars, and commemorate the launch of Mariner 4. Launched in 1964, Mariner 4 became the first spacecraft to successfully fly by Mars, providing humanity's initial close-up views of the red planet.
How do people celebrate Red Planet Day?
Plan something small on November 28: a quick nod to Red Planet Day with friends, family, or coworkers.

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