In a remarkable occurrence, a recent solar storm unleashed a powerful burst of charged particles and radiation towards Mars, providing scientists with a rare opportunity to observe such events on a planet other than Earth. NASA's Curiosity rover documented the aftermath of the solar storm on Mars, capturing images as particles from the Sun showered down on the Red Planet.

During this event, the Curiosity rover also measured the highest dose of radiation since the start of its 12-year mission, offering valuable insights into the radiation levels future astronauts might encounter on the Martian surface, as stated by NASA. The agency's MAVEN orbiter, on the other hand, observed the appearance of auroras on the far side of Mars, resembling similar auroral events witnessed on Earth.

Over the past month, a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) originating from the Sun traveled all the way to Mars. On May 20, NASA's Solar Orbiter captured a solar flare classified as an X12, the strongest category of solar flares. The colossal solar flare released X-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles towards Mars at the speed of light. The Moon to Mars Space Weather Analysis Office at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center closely monitored the particles, which arrived at Mars within tens of minutes and appeared as streaks and specks in Curiosity's captured images of the Martian landscape.

Discussions regarding the event were shared by the Curiosity rover itself, which noted how the charged particles caused distortions in its dust monitoring routine. Utilizing its Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), the rover measured the amount of radiation that reached Mars, detecting its largest surge to date. According to NASA, if an astronaut were to stand on the Martian surface, they would have been exposed to a radiation dose of 8,100 micrograys, equivalent to approximately 30 chest X-rays. This data holds paramount importance as NASA plans to send astronauts to Mars in the 2030s. Researchers highlighted that cliffsides or lava tubes could offer additional shielding for future astronauts against such events, as the dose rate would be significantly higher in Mars orbit or deep space.

The Sun follows an 11-year cycle of varying activity, currently approaching the solar maximum of cycle 25. Consequently, an increase in sunspot numbers, solar flares, and CMEs has been observed. In terms of the solar storm's impact on Earth, between May 10 to 12, disruptions in power grids and radio blackouts were reported along with other technological and infrastructure interferences. Furthermore, stunningly colorful auroras illuminated the night skies around the world. In a similar vein, Mars experienced its own set of auroras during the recent solar storm. NASA's MAVEN orbiter detected these glowing lights above the Red Planet using its Solar Energetic Particle instrument. The event was described by Christina Lee, MAVEN's space weather lead, as "the largest solar energetic particle event that MAVEN has ever seen," with multiple waves of particles striking Mars in recent weeks.

This solar storm and its impact on Mars provide significant scientific data and insights for future missions to the Red Planet. Follow us on [X] for more spaceflight updates, and don't forget to check out Gizmodo's dedicated Spaceflight page for more thrilling discoveries.