NASA is gearing up for an ambitious endeavor—the Artemis program—which aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2026 and establish a sustainable presence by the 2030s. Yet, the lunar environment poses significant challenges, particularly due to intense cosmic and solar radiation. Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks a protective magnetic field, leaving astronauts vulnerable to high-energy particles that can increase cancer risk.
© FNEWS.AI – Images created and owned by Fnews.AI, any use beyond the permitted scope requires written consent from Fnews.AI
Astronauts exposed to galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles face substantial health hazards. While galactic cosmic radiation arrives in a steady stream from distant stars and galaxies, solar energetic particles are released sporadically but intensely by the Sun. These particles travel at nearly the speed of light and can penetrate human tissues, leading to dire health consequences.
Earth’s magnetic field serves as a critical shield, defending against these harmful particles. However, the Moon’s surface is directly exposed to them. During major solar particle events, the radiation dosage on the lunar surface could exceed what humans on Earth experience by a factor of 1,000. Such exposure would surpass the recommended lifetime limits for astronauts by tenfold.
© FNEWS.AI – Images created and owned by Fnews.AI, any use beyond the permitted scope requires written consent from Fnews.AI
To tackle this hazard, the Artemis program, initiated in 2017, involves extensive preparations and research. One focal area is the forecasting of solar energetic particle events, which the Center for All-Clear SEP Forecast (CLEAR) at the University of Michigan is actively working on. Accurate forecasting will be instrumental in safeguarding future Artemis crews.
The solar cycle, an 11-year phenomenon driven by the Sun’s magnetic field, plays a key role in space weather. As the Sun approaches solar maximum — predicted to peak around 2026, the same year Artemis III aims to land humans on the Moon — it will experience heightened activity. Up to 20 large solar energetic particle events can occur annually during this period, posing elevated risks of radiation exposure.
Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are the primary sources of these energetic particles. Solar flares are sudden bursts of electromagnetic radiation, while coronal mass ejections involve massive expulsions of matter and magnetic fields. Both phenomena disrupt the space weather, emphasizing the need for effective forecasting systems.
Established in 2023, NASA’s funding of the five-year CLEAR center aims to advance the prediction of solar energetic particle events. Currently, organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA SWPC) track solar activities, issuing alerts only after detecting flares or ejections. This detection-to-warning time is typically less than an hour, insufficient for lunar astronauts needing to find shelter.
CLEAR’s mission is to enhance these forecasting capabilities. By scrutinizing the Sun’s dynamic magnetic field through both ground-based and space-based telescopes, and employing machine learning models, the center aspires to predict solar events with over 24-hour notice. Additionally, CLEAR aims to determine when particle flux falls to safe levels, guiding astronauts on when it is secure to resume their lunar missions.
The journey to precise space weather forecasting is complex, largely due to the intricacies of the Sun’s magnetic field, which varies over its cycle. At their most complex, these magnetic fields are correlated with increased solar activity. Understanding these variations will be crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of solar particle events on lunar missions.
The collaboration at CLEAR, alongside innovations in predictive models, is pivotal for the safety of future Artemis missions. Protecting astronauts from lethal solar radiation ensures that humanity’s lunar endeavors are not only successful but also sustainable. Looking ahead, advancements in forecasting will be a cornerstone of crewed space exploration.
Was this content helpful to you?
