5. The Cold
Although Mars is one of our neighbours and comparatively warm to other planets, chances are astronauts going to the red planet probably wont need to pack their NASA approved bikinis and sunscreen. To be fair, Mars colonists expect arguably better forecasts than those of Britain; with temperatures in the peak of summer at the equator expecting a balmy 20 degrees C in the daytime. However one thing Britain has that Mars does not is a suitable atmosphere. When the evening cool change on Mars comes in, the mercury falls to a nippy -90 C. Going north on Mars to see the sights? Bring a jacket, forecasts expect -225 C at the poles only 48 or so degrees warmer than absolute zero. Why is this bad news? Although comparatively to some of the other Mars mission hurdles, temperature is one of the easiest to combat as us mammals make our own heat, thankfully. However regardless of our level of technology, spacesuit or habitation malfunctions are always possible. With temperatures of -90 C on the equator and a thin atmosphere that doesnt maintain heat, it wouldnt take long for a person to freeze to death. Adding insult to injury, accessible water in the form of Ice is more present the closer to the -225 C degree poles the astronauts go. Choices are freeze to death, or be really, really thirsty.