Here's why:
* Elliptical Orbit: Mars' orbit isn't perfectly circular, it's slightly elliptical. This means its distance from the Sun varies throughout its orbit.
* Kepler's Laws: Kepler's laws of planetary motion state that a planet moves faster when it's closer to the Sun and slower when it's farther away.
Average Orbital Velocity:
* The average orbital velocity of Mars is approximately 24.1 kilometers per second (15 miles per second).
Orbital Velocity at Perihelion (Closest to Sun):
* The orbital velocity is highest at perihelion, reaching around 26.5 kilometers per second (16.5 miles per second).
Orbital Velocity at Aphelion (Farthest from Sun):
* The orbital velocity is lowest at aphelion, reaching around 21.9 kilometers per second (13.6 miles per second).
