Radiation risks on Mars: What solar storms mean for future human missions

As the Sun reaches peak activity, NASA’s Mars missions are unlocking vital clues about how solar storms might impact future astronauts, revealing both risks and how to protect humans on the Red Planet.

Key takeaways in our 1-minute read:

• Mars lacks a global magnetic field, leaving its surface exposed to intense solar radiation during storms
• Recent solar flares delivered radiation doses equivalent to dozens of chest X-rays, highlighting risks for human explorers
• NASA’s MAVEN orbiter and Curiosity rover provide complementary data on solar particles and radiation levels on Mars
• Natural shelters like lava tubes or cliffs could offer astronauts crucial protection from harmful radiation
• Understanding solar storm effects on Mars is key to planning safe, long-term human 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.

Shannon Curry, Principal Investigator, NASA’s MAVEN mission