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Cosmic ray hits in the central nervous system at solar maximum
S B Curtis1, M E Vazquez, J W Wilson
1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Launching a Mars mission during solar minimum may not significantly increase radiation exposure to the brain from cosmic rays. Reduced particle hits are less than a factor of two, not a compelling reason to avoid solar minimum.
Area of Science:
- Space exploration
- Astrobiology
- Radiation physics
Background:
- Manned missions to Mars face radiation exposure risks from galactic cosmic rays.
- Mission timing (solar maximum vs. solar minimum) is debated for radiation mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the reduction in particle hits to the brain during solar maximum compared to solar minimum.
- To assess if the reduction in radiation exposure justifies a specific launch window.
Main Methods:
- Calculations of particle hits to brain sites using iron ions and highly charged particles (z ≥ 15).
- Comparison of shielding configurations (pressure vessel, equipment room) under solar minimum and maximum conditions.
Main Results:
- Particle hits to the thalamus decreased from 2.3% to 1.3% for iron ions between solar minimum and maximum.
- Shielding within the spacecraft equipment room showed minimal impact on hit frequency reduction.
Conclusions:
- The observed decrease in particle hit frequency (less than a factor of two) does not strongly support avoiding solar minimum for Mars missions.
- Further research is needed if a very low number of hits can cause critical brain malfunction.
Keywords:
NASA Discipline Radiation Health