Radiation Dangers

For decades, it's been clear that one of the main dangers to humans spending extended periods beyond Earth would the the effect of radiation-- cosmic rays or radiation from the Sun-- on the human body. A report released today by the National Research Council says the radiation may preclude human missions to Mars as well as extended stays on the Moon.

The report also says, however, that much more study is needed, both to determine exactly what the danger is and to find ways to deal with that danger. Siting bases or colonies inside huge lunar lava tubes, as suggested earlier in this blog and by researchers, was seen as one possible way to combat the radiation threat. The solid rock of the tube would block the radiation, so humans would only be exposed to the full brunt of radiation when they left the tube. Lava tubes on Mars are likely to be smaller than the lunar kind because of Mars' stronger gravity. However, Mars may offer a majestic alternative. The incredible Mariner Valley is in fact a huge canyon system. Many of its minor offshoots are larger than the Grand Canyon of Arizona. Walls of rock miles deep, properly oriented, could protect bases or colonies nestled at their feet.