Effect of SEP on Mars atmosphere

Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) are composed of protons, electrons and heavy ions with energies ranging from a few tens of keV to a few GeV, and are ejected into interplanetary space in large quantities in conjunction with explosions called coronal mass ejections or solar flares. During large flares, SEPs have been reported to penetrate to several tens of kilometers into the Earth’s atmosphere, increasing atmospheric NO2 and destructing the ozone layer (e.g., Seppälä et al., 2004; Rohen et al., 2005). In addition, SEPs are known to cause damage to spacecraft and detectors, and also to the human body due to radiation exposure. However, the effect of SEPs on the Martian atmosphere and surface environment on Mars has not yet been clarified. We have started to investigate an impact of SEPs on the Martian atmosphere by analyzing observations made by NASA’s Mars Explorer MAVEN.

(Master’s course 2st, Sayano Hiraba)

Image: https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/6588/artists-concept-of-nasas-maven-spacecraft-approaching-mars/