By: April Carson
The Sun, our life-giving star, has been ramping up its activity recently, which could be a boon for our future explorations of Mars on foot — depending on what scientists discover. As NASA prepares for potential crewed missions to the Red Planet, researchers are closely monitoring how the Sun's volatile activity affects the Martian surface and, consequently, how it might impact any astronauts traversing it.
The Sun's Influence on Mars
Our Sun periodically unleashes its plasma-filled outbursts into space during events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. However, as it nears its solar maximum, these events increase in frequency, sometimes occurring in quick succession and resulting in what is known as a solar storm.
These outbursts pose their own challenges for Earth, which is protected by a robust atmosphere. On Mars, however, the thin atmosphere offers little protection, leaving the planet's surface — and any potential human explorers — vulnerable to solar radiation. Understanding the full extent of the danger this poses is crucial for future manned missions.
"For humans and assets on the Martian surface, we don't have a solid handle on what the effect is from radiation during solar activity," said Shannon Curry of the University of Colorado Boulder Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in a NASA release.
"I'd actually love to see the 'big one' at Mars this year — a large event that we can study to understand solar radiation better before astronauts go to Mars."
Tag Team: Monitoring the Martian Surface
To assess the Sun's impact on Mars, scientists will rely on data from two key sources. First, NASA's Curiosity rover, equipped with the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) instrument, measures high-energy radiation on the Martian surface.
Additionally, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) orbiter observes radiation and solar particles from the skies. While MAVEN detects solar storms, it doesn't provide a comprehensive picture on its own. Instead, the combination of MAVEN and RAD data allows scientists to closely track and understand the changes occurring on the Martian surface during solar activity.
"You can have a million particles with low energy or 10 particles with extremely high energy," said RAD principal investigator Don Hassler of the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado. "While MAVEN's instruments are more sensitive to lower-energy ones, RAD is the only instrument capable of seeing the high-energy ones that make it through the atmosphere to the surface, where astronauts would be."
The Path Forward
As NASA's scientists continue to study how the Sun's activity affects Mars, the data collected will be invaluable in preparing for future manned missions. Understanding the full scope of radiation and its effects on the Martian surface will allow for better protection and safety measures for astronauts when the time comes to explore the Red Planet on foot.
While challenges remain, the ongoing research and collaboration between NASA's missions pave the way for a safer and more informed journey to Mars, ensuring the next step in human space exploration is both thrilling and secure.
Learn the Secrets of the Anunnaki by Elisabeth & Billy Carson
About the Blogger:
April Carson is a remarkable individual whose life has been shaped by her determination, dedication, and unwavering passion for both education and sports. Born as the daughter of Billy Carson, she embarked on a journey that would lead her to outstanding achievements and a profound impact on her community.
April's academic journey commenced at Jacksonville University, where she pursued her love for the Social Sciences. She quickly distinguished herself as a diligent student, displaying an insatiable curiosity for understanding the world around her. Her commitment to her studies was matched only by her desire to make a difference in her chosen field.
While her academic pursuits were certainly impressive, it was April's involvement in sports that truly set her apart. She was not just a student at Jacksonville University; she was also a vital member of the Women's Basketball team. On the court, April's dedication and talent were evident for all to see. She exhibited leadership, teamwork, and a relentless drive to excel, qualities that would become hallmarks of her personality both on and off the court.
🌟 Exciting Investment Opportunity with 4biddenknowledge Inc.! 🌟
Ever dreamt of being part owner of a groundbreaking company that explores the mysteries of ancient civilizations, delves into esoteric wisdom, and unlocks the secrets of metaphysics and quantum physics? Look no further than 4biddenknowledge Inc.!
💡 Why Invest? By investing in 4biddenknowledge, you're not just putting your money into a venture; you're becoming a key player in the exploration of the extraordinary. Our content, spanning ancient civilizations to the depths of quantum physics, is reshaping perspectives globally. As an investor, you'll be part of this transformative journey.
🚀 How to Invest: Ready to take the plunge into a realm of endless possibilities? Click the link https://4bidden.trucrowd.com/ to invest now. Your contribution will not only support our growth but also grant you a stake in the future of knowledge and enlightenment.
🌟 Let's Shape the Future Together! Embark on this exciting journey with us. Invest in 4biddenknowledge Inc. and be a part of a movement that transcends time and space. Together, we're unlocking the secrets of the universe and shaping a brighter, more enlightened future.
Ready to elevate your consciousness and expand your mind?
If you're not already a member of the 4BK TV Channel, it's time to join the journey! Immerse yourself in a captivating collection of workshops by Billy Carson on 4bk.tv, covering everything from Remote Viewing and Ancient History to Anomaly Hunting. Don't miss out on the extraordinary – become a member now and unlock a world of limitless possibilities!"
Start your 3-day FREE trial now!
ORDER YOUR BOOK TODAY!
