Risk of Fatal Solar Storms Increases as Sun Becomes More Unstable
In recent months, there has been a noticeable impact from the Sun in the form of CME, solar storms, geomagnetic storms, and solar flares. Consequently, these occurrences have triggered additional events like auroras, power outages, and disruptions in radio communications. The question arises as to why the Sun is becoming more unpredictable. One possible explanation is the approaching Solar Max and the Sun reaching the pinnacle of its solar cycle. Consequently, 2023 has also set a new record for the highest number of sunspots in 21 years.
The effects of the 2021 Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun were not only observed on Earth, but also on the Moon and Mars, and a similar event could have a devastating effect on astronauts.
Earth, Moon and Mars experience solar activity
According to a report by the European Space Agency, on October 28, 2021, there was a powerful solar flare that released CME particles into space, resulting in “Earth rise”. The eruption was so huge that planets like Earth and Mars, located about 250 million kilometers apart on either side of the Sun, received a heavy dose of these energetic particles. The release of CME particles was observed by several telescopes, including the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), the Curiosity Mars rover, the Chang’e-4 Moon lander, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).
Now a research article published in the journal Geographical Research Letters has revealed that this was the first time that the Sun’s effects were observed simultaneously on Earth, the Moon and Mars. Although this eruption did not cause fatal consequences for Earth, it could cause problems for astronauts during flights to the Moon and Mars.
Reason
Unlike other planets, the Earth has its own magnetic field, which protects us from UV radiation and other harmful particles thrown by the sun. Particles from the Sun often bounce off the Earth’s atmosphere without causing much effect. However, according to the magazine, this is not the case with the Moon and Mars.
Because these celestial bodies do not have their own magnetic fields, particles from the sun can easily find their way to the surface and interact with the planet’s soil, producing “secondary radiation.”
Its effects
In our space exploration, missions to the Moon and Mars can be harmful to astronauts if a strong enough CME erupts in the same period. Astronauts would receive a high dose of radiation, which could lead to radiation sickness that destroys the bone marrow and can cause internal and external bleeding.
According to the report, a dose of about 700 milligrays can cause radiation sickness. If astronauts are exposed to more than 10 grays of radiation, it can be fatal, shortening their lifespan to just two weeks.
Scientist Jingnan Guo, who participated in the study, said: “Our calculations of past Earth upwelling events show that, on average, one event every 5.5 years may have exceeded the Moon’s safe dose level if radiation shielding had not been in place. Understanding these events is crucial for future crewed missions to the lunar surface.”
