- 1Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Physik, Germany (khaksari@physik.uni-kiel.de)
- 2School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China
- 3CAS Center for Excellence in Comparative Planetology, USTC, Hefei, PR China
- 4Planetary Science Division, Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO, USA
- 5Leidos Corporation, Houston, TX, USA
- 6German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) onboard the Mars Science Laboratory’s Curiosity rover has continuously monitored energetic particles on the Martian surface since its landing on August 6, 2012. The resulting dataset provides a unique opportunity to study the Martian radiation
environment across a complete solar cycle.
Understanding this environment is crucial for evaluating the risks associated with future manned space missions and for advancing research into planetary conditions, solar activity, and galactic cosmic rays (GCRs).
Radiation on the Martian surface comprises primary GCRs and secondary particles produced through interactions of GCRs with the atmosphere or soil. These radiation levels exhibit temporal variations influenced by factors such as atmospheric changes, thermal tides, seasonal cycles, shielding effects, heliospheric modulation of GCRs, and the physical properties of Martian soil. Capturing these variations requires a holistic approach that integrates long-term trends and localized phenomena.
In this study, we utilize the extensive dataset collected by the RAD over the past 12 years to investigate the intricate variations in particle flux on Mars. Our analysis spans a diverse array of particle species, enabling a comprehensive understanding of how particle flux evolves throughout
an entire solar cycle. This extended temporal coverage allows us to identify and analyze long-term trends, shedding light on the dynamic nature of particle interactions within the Martian environment.
We explore the effects of solar activity, atmospheric dynamics, and surface shielding on the radiation environment, while also examining the role of subsurface materials in generating upward moving secondary particles. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential water con
tent and geological features beneath the Martian surface. By delving into the temporal patterns of particle flux across di erent species, this work aims to advance our understanding of the complex radiation dynamics on Mars and their implications for future human exploration and potential
habitation.
How to cite: Khaksarighiri, S., Löwe, J. L., Wimmer-Schweingruber, R. F., Guo, J., Hassler, D. M., Ehresmann, B., Zeitlin, C., Matthiä, D., Berger, T., Reitz, G., and Löffler, S.: Radiation Environment on Mars: Insights from 12 Years of Curiosity’s RAD Observations, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11041, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11041, 2025.
