They discover one of the greatest dangers to humans on Mars

The sun was showing more activity over the past year as it approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle, known as solar maximum, expected later this year. In recent months there has been an increase in solar activity, including X-class flaresthe strongest of solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, large clouds of ionized gas and magnetic fields that erupt from the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

Solar storms that reached Earth in May caused colorful auroras in places where they are rarely seen, such as northern California and Alabama, and originated in a huge group of sunspots opposing Earth. This group of sunspots later turned towards Mars.

Astronomers have used a large number of orbiters surrounding Mars, as well as rovers exploring its surface, to capture the aftermath of a solar storm on Mars first-hand and better understand the radiation levels that future astronauts may experience on the Red Planet.

Solar radiation reaches Mars

The most difficult event occurred on May 20, after flash X12. This solar explosion sent X-rays, gamma rays and a coronal mass ejection towards Mars. X-rays and gamma rays arrived first, followed by charged particles.

He NASA’s Mars rover Curiosityexploring Gale Crater, captured images where charged particles appeared as white, snow-like streaks in their chambers. The energy from the solar particles was so intense that the Mars Odyssey orbiter’s star camera temporarily shut down.

Curiosity also measured radiation from the hurricane using the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD). An astronaut next to the rover would receive dose equivalent to 30 chest radiographs, a significant amount, although not lethal. This was the highest level of radiation measured by RAD since Curiosity landed nearly 12 years ago.

understand maximum radiation What astronauts can experience on Mars is vital to planning its defense. According to Don Hassler, RAD’s principal investigator, shelters in the form of rocks or lava tubes could provide the necessary protection.

The MAVEN orbiter observed ultraviolet auroras on Mars during a solar storm. Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a global magnetic field, causing auroras to envelop the entire planet. These auroras are associated with the ancient magnetized crust of Mars.

According to NASA, future astronauts will be able to witness these light shows on Mars as scientists continue to monitor and study space weather to ensure their safety on future missions. “It was largest solar energetic particle event what MAVEN saw,” concluded MAVEN Space Weather Lead Christina Lee in a statement.

Follow Diario AS WhatsApp channelwhere you will find everything about sports in one space: current news of the day, an agenda with the latest news of the most important sporting events, the most striking images, the opinion of the best AS brands, reports, videos, and a little humor from time to time.