Here's why:
* Distance from the Sun: Mars is much further away from the Sun than Earth, meaning it receives significantly less solar energy.
* Thin Atmosphere: Mars has a very thin atmosphere, which is unable to trap much heat. This allows heat to escape easily into space, resulting in extremely cold temperatures.
* Water Ice: The presence of water ice on Mars further contributes to its coldness.
The average temperature on Mars is around -62 degrees Celsius (-80 degrees Fahrenheit), though it can vary greatly depending on the time of day and location.
The hottest planet in our solar system is Venus, which has a surface temperature of around 464 degrees Celsius (867 degrees Fahrenheit). This extreme heat is due to its dense atmosphere, which traps heat through a greenhouse effect.