Solar Eruption Detected Simultaneously on Earth, Moon, and Mars: Deep Space Travelers Face Radiation Peril
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a massive solar eruption in 2021 that was detected simultaneously on Earth, the Moon, and Mars, raising concerns about radiation risks for future deep space missions. This unprecedented event sheds light on the immense power and size of natural forces beyond our human scale.
On October 28, 2021, a coronal mass ejection (CME) originating from the Sun was so extraordinary that it defies everyday description. The ejected mass, consisting of gas, plasma, and energetic particles, was of such magnitude that it spread across a vast portion of the inner solar system, extending from Earth to Mars, which was approximately 250 million kilometers (155 million miles) away from our planet on that day.
Various spacecraft in the vicinity, including the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, Curiosity Mars rover, Chang’e-4 Moon lander, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, CROPIS Earth orbiter, Solar Orbiter, SOHO, and BepiColombo, detected the eruption. Remarkably, the event was so powerful that it managed to permeate Earth’s magnetic field, causing what is known as a ground level enhancement. This phenomenon is relatively rare, with only 73 instances recorded since observations began in the 1940s.
The significance of events like this lies in their implications for crewed deep space missions to destinations such as the Moon and Mars. Astronauts outside Earth’s protective atmosphere and robust magnetic field are highly vulnerable to the radiation unleashed by solar flares and coronal eruptions. These radiation storms can expose individuals to lethal dosages within a matter of weeks. Fortunately, no harm befell astronauts during the August 1972 eruption as it occurred between the US Apollo 16 and 17 missions.
However, future deep space explorations hinge on the development of monitoring networks to alert astronauts of hazardous solar activity, while spacecraft must be equipped with shielded radiation shelters where crew members can seek refuge. Even the International Space Station, which benefits from relatively robust protection, incorporates thick walls in its sleeping quarters and kitchen to mitigate radiation emergencies.
While focusing on the perils faced by space travelers, this event also underscores the dangers posed to those on Earth. Had the solar eruption directly targeted our planet, it might have led to effects similar to the Carrington Event of 1859. This powerful eruption caused stunning auroras and triggered an electromagnetic storm that wreaked havoc on the world’s telegraph network, causing fires in telegraph stations.
Considering the vulnerability of today’s continent-spanning power grids and global communication networks, shielding and fortifying these vital infrastructures against the impact of such solar events has become imperative.
Scientist Jingnan Guo, who researched the October 28 event, emphasizes the importance of understanding such occurrences to ensure the safety of future crewed missions to the Moon. Calculations based on historical ground level enhancement events indicate that without radiation protection, a lunar mission may encounter unsafe radiation levels on average every 5.5 years. Consequently, comprehensive comprehension of these events becomes essential in safeguarding potential lunar surface missions.
In conclusion, this significant solar eruption detected on Earth, the Moon, and Mars underscores the radiation risks faced by deep space travelers. It not only highlights the vital need for protective measures on future manned missions but also emphasizes the potential repercussions for those on Earth, urging us to fortify our critical infrastructure against the formidable power of these celestial events. As we explore the mysteries of space, safeguarding human life remains paramount.
