The study reveals that Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere played a pivotal role in diminishing the impact of the radiation upon reaching the planet’s surface. Mars, bolstered by its atmosphere, experienced only a fraction of the initial dose, whereas over half of the radiation from the CME reached the moon’s surface.
Although this specific CME event did not pose a significant threat to human health, a larger outburst could potentially be lethal. Analyzing how CMEs interact with celestial bodies beyond Earth holds promise for developing adequate shielding strategies to safeguard future astronauts.
Colin Wilson, a project scientist on ExoMars TGO, emphasized the importance of understanding space radiation’s potential dangers: “Space radiation can create a real danger to our exploration throughout the Solar System. Thanks to data from missions like ExoMars, we can prepare for how best to protect our human explorers.”
As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, the unprecedented observation of simultaneous solar storms impacting multiple bodies underscores the necessity of comprehensive space science to ensure the safety and success of future interplanetary missions.
