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A powerful solar storm in mid-May highlighted serious radiation problems for the future colonists of Mars, media reports. On May 20, the Solar Orbiter spacecraft registered the X12 flare on the Sun from sunspot AR3697, which sent a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) towards Mars.
NASA's MAVEN, 2001 Mars Odyssey and Curiosity rover collected invaluable data about this event MAVEN observed the largest solar energetic particle event in history, and Curiosity's Radiation Assessment Detector measured a dose equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. This burst of radiation has highlighted the need for proper protection for future astronauts.
Researchers emphasize the importance of underground habitats, such as lava tubes, to protect against solar storms. In addition, persistent radiation on Mars poses problems for agricultural development, as energetic particles can penetrate the planet's thin atmosphere and interfere with plants.
Scientists expect new discoveries in the field of Martian atmospheric dynamics and radiation protection strategies, as sunspot AR3697 continues its activity.