Iron plays a starring role in creating red hues both close to home and far out in space. Right here on Earth, iron is crucial to our survival, forming part of the hemoglobin in our blood. When hemoglobin binds with oxygen, it gives our blood its vibrant red color. This process is vital for transporting oxygen throughout our bodies.
Meanwhile, millions of kilometers away, iron is also responsible for painting Mars its famous reddish hue. But unlike in our blood, the red on Mars comes from iron oxide – essentially, rust. The Martian surface is covered in this rusty dust, earning it the nickname “The Red Planet.”