Life on Mars…but only for four years: The Red Planet is ‘too dangerous’ for humans to survive an extended mission
- Scientists Say If Humans Spend More Than 4 Years, Radiation Becomes Dangerous
A human expedition to Mars has long been on the radar of space explorers’ aspirations.
Two years ago, there was even talk of humans being able to reproduce on Mars, as sperm can survive there for up to 200 years, scientists say.
However, it seems those hopes are short-lived, as experts have now recommended that humans spend no more than four years on any mission on the planet.
According to one of the most recent studies on the viability of human life on the Red Planet, scientists said that if humans spend more time than this point, radiation levels become dangerous.
The results, which were published in the Advancing Earth and Science Journal, said: ‘Our calculations clearly demonstrate that the best time to launch manned spaceflight to Mars is during solar maximum, as it is possible to protect against particles. solar energy.
A 3D rendering of the planet Mars, where scientists say humans can only last four years on
An illustration of ASA’s Perseverance Mars rover which has been used on missions to the planet
“Our simulations show that an increase in shielding creates an increase in secondary radiation produced by the more energetic GCR, which results in a higher dose, introducing a limit to the duration of a mission.
“We estimate that a possible mission to Mars should not exceed approximately four years.
“This study shows that space radiation imposes strict limitations and presents technological challenges for the human mission to Mars, such a mission is still viable.”
Other research by the UCLA team found that a spacecraft on a mission to and from Mars should provide sufficient protection during the round trip.
However, if the material the spacecraft is constructed from is too thick, it could actually increase the amount of secondary radiation.
Another discovery included the intelligence that the best time to leave Earth would be when solar activity is at its peak.
This is because the “solar maximum” is at its least dangerous level.
A look at the surface of Mars, which scientists previously thought contained water
