A massive solar eruption that occurred on October 28, 2021, was an extraordinary event, reaching both Earth and Mars, despite their considerable distance from each other on opposite sides of the Sun. This remarkable occurrence was recorded for the first time and sheds light on the importance of preparing for the hazards of space radiation in human exploration missions. The eruption, known as a ‘ground level enhancement,’ penetrated Earth’s protective magnetic bubble, raising concerns about its potential impact on astronauts during future missions to the Moon and Mars.
A committee led by Bilawal Bhutto and appointed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will meet on August 3 to decide on the country’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in India. The committee may seek permission for a security check in India as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the Pakistani cricket team during the tournament.
The eruption was monitored by an international fleet of spacecraft, including the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover, the CNSA Chang’e-4 Moon lander, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and DLR’s Eu:CROPIS Earth orbiter. It was classified as a ‘ground level enhancement,’ a rare occurrence during which solar particles are energetic enough to penetrate Earth’s magnetic protection. Understanding such events is crucial for the safety of future human explorers in the Solar System.
Solar radiation poses a genuine threat to space exploration, and measurements from robotic missions like ExoMars TGO are vital in preparing for future crewed missions. While the Moon and Mars lack their own magnetic fields, solar particles can easily reach their surfaces and interact with the soil, generating secondary radiation. Mars’s thin atmosphere provides some protection against lower-energy solar particles but still allows highly energetic ones to reach the surface. As human missions target these celestial bodies, understanding the impact of solar outbursts on astronauts is essential.
Radiation sickness poses a significant risk, with a dose above 700 milligray potentially leading to bone marrow destruction and severe health consequences. Monitoring radiation levels is crucial for the safety of astronauts, and precautions, such as protective gear and sheltering, are already in place on the International Space Station. The Artemis program, aimed at sending astronauts to the Moon, includes a space station called the Gateway in lunar orbit, equipped with instruments to monitor the radiation environment.
Space agencies are also exploring protective attire to minimize the impact of space radiation on the human body. Mannequins, Helga and Zohar, based on the female body, were part of the Artemis I test flight, with one wearing a newly developed radiation protection vest. Data from these mannequins will aid in the development of effective radiation protection measures.
In conclusion, the detection of the massive solar eruption on Earth, the Moon, and Mars underscores the significance of understanding space radiation hazards in human exploration missions. Monitoring and predicting intense radiation events are vital for protecting astronauts, and future missions to the Moon and Mars necessitate thorough preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of explorers in space.
