Going Underground
Living on Mars is not the greatest idea.
The red planet lacks a global magnetic field or Earth’s thick atmosphere, causing the planet to be bombarded by high doses of ultraviolet (UV) rays and ionizing radiation from space.
Yet, scientists have found a possible workaround for any future exploration – or colonization – efforts: Cave entrances, reported New Scientist.
Lead author Daniel Viúdez-Moreiras wrote in a study that radiation levels on Mars’s surface are – on average – 900 times higher than those on Earth. However, images taken from the planet’s orbit show what appear to be entrances to caves, which could be used to shield against harmful radiation.
He calculated that the levels of UV radiation inside the caves would drop to around two percent of the levels of the surface. These levels are relatively safe and are high enough to allow organisms that require light to thrive.
However, Viúdez-Moreiras noted that it’s unclear whether the more dangerous ionizing radiation levels would be blocked.
The author explained that geological areas could shield human explorers from the planet’s harsh conditions. He added that the caves could also be the best place to look for the elusive signs of life on Mars.
To date, no lander or rover has explored the Martian caves.
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