Here's why it's "average":

* Mars has an elliptical orbit: It doesn't travel in a perfect circle around the Sun. Its orbit is slightly oval-shaped.

* Perihelion and Aphelion: This means that Mars is closer to the Sun at its closest point (perihelion) and farther away at its farthest point (aphelion).

* Distance range:

* Perihelion: 1.38 AU

* Aphelion: 1.66 AU

So, 1.52 AU is the average distance that represents the center point of its elliptical orbit.