It’s a little-known fact that Mars’ gravity pulls Earth closer to the sun, resulting in the warming of our climate. This fascinating and completely unexpected connection between the two planets has received little fanfare, and has been provided little discussion thus far. Truth is, significant geological evidence spanning over 65M years shows deep sea currents on Earth to undergo recurring cycles of strength every 2.4M years, an occurrence directly related to the influence that Mars hold over us.

“Astronomical Grand Cycles”, as they are referred to scientifically, are directly related in a cause-and-effect scenario as to global warming. Mars and Earth tug on each other with their gravity as they move through space, creating small but noticeable effects called Gravitational Perturbations.

Despite the distance between them, these two actually tweak one another’s orbits, especially when they come closest – roughly every 26 months. This is when Mars influences Earth to move every so slightly toward the sun. These small disruptions to Earths path can, over time, influence the Earth’s orbital shift, causing it to tilt and affecting our long-term climate patterns.

These gravitational interactions can manifest themselves by causing changes to deep sea currents, impacting sediment accumulation on the ocean floor by causing erosion of the surface and its contents. The resulting change in sedimental depositions and the according affect on stronger ocean currents are clear examples of Mars’ effects, and the resulting changes in our climate patterns.

As per Dietmar Muller, a geophysics professor at the University of Sydney “the gravity fields of the planets in the solar system interfere with each other, and this interaction, called a Resonance, changes planetary eccentricity, a measure of how close to circular their orbits are”.

So, exactly how does Mars’ gravity affect Earth’s climate? When Earth is pulled closer to the sun, we experience increased solar radiation and, resultingly, a warmer climate. Over time (roughly every 24M years) the Earth drifts back to its initial spot, completing the cycle of event. This undoubtably plays a role in changing the climactic patterns on the planet we call home in our known universe.

Researchers were quick to note that, although the cause/effect is undeniable, it is totally unrelated to human green-house emissions that are the biggest contributor to global warming.

Deep sea data spanning a course of 65M years shows that warmer oceans, and the resulting “vigorous deep circulation” are undoubtably a contributing factor toward the warming of our environment. Recent studies have proven that these cycles help sustain ocean currents, even in a scenario where global warming may weaken them.

One such current, often referred to as a “conveyor belt”, is known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a system that transfers warm water from the tropics to the Northern Hemisphere. This, in turn, facilitates deep sea heat distribution. And, while some scientists predict that the AMOC will potentially collapse in the coming decades, this is not necessarily good news. The ventilation caused by deep ocean eddies is necessary to prevent the deep ocean stagnation that is an unwanted occurrence.

The concept of Orbital Mechanics explains how gravitational forces between planets cause a “cosmic dance”. The orbital mechanics between Earth and Mars and particularly fascinating and are a result of their relative positions, speed and distances within our solar system.

We all know that both planets orbit the sun, but Earth, being closer, has a much shorter path and moves faster along its orbit. While Earth can complete its cycle in 365 days, Mars, being further away and having a much longer orbit, takes roughly 687 days to complete its cycle. This accounts for the 26 months referred to earlier, creating opportunities for close approaches called Oppositions. This occurrence finds Mars to be directly opposite the Sun as viewed from Earth.

These close approaches cause NASA to adjust the path and trajectory of spacecraft and/or modules destined for what is often referred to as the Red Planet. Mars’ gravitational influences cause scientists to use a technique called “Gravity Assist” to more accurately propel them toward their intended target.

These concepts emphasize the connection between planetary orbital mechanics and Earth’s natural systems, offering a unique perspective on how the cosmos will shape our climate over the next million years or so. Further, they deepen our knowledge of Earths’ history and provide insight into how our oceanic systems respond as they face our ongoing climate changes. Of importance is the fact that these forces and occurrences help prevent our oceans from becoming stagnant, an important event that we definitely seek to avoid.

Earth cannot escape the grasp of Mars’ gravitational forces. Although smaller than Earth, resulting in less gravitational pull, Martian gravity still has considerable affect upon the orbit of our Earth.

Mars’ gravity is only about 38% of that here on Earth, meaning a person or object would weigh significantly less there. Further, the decreased force of gravity on Mars makes it unable to maintain a sufficiently thick atmosphere, explaining its dry, barren environment.

“The interplay between the gravity of Mars and the dynamics of the solar system showcases the subtle yet profound impact of the planet on neighboring celestial bodies”, as per Eric Ralls, Earth.com’s Senior Staff Writer.

Surely one day a mission will encounter Martians and we will be able to request that they “take us to their leader”. I mean, that’s how it’s been portrayed for decades now in both print and movies, right? Only then can we negotiate reparations for the damage they have caused here on Earth.

I hope you have enjoyed this somewhat light-hearted but scientifically accurate discussion of the little-known but important relationship between the two planets. May the force be with you!