The event was recorded by the European Space Agency’s Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, which were already circling Mars when the solar storm arrived in May 2024. The same solar activity also triggered widespread auroras on Earth, but its effects on Mars were far more severe due to the planet’s lack of a global magnetic field.
Without the protective shield Earth enjoys, Mars’ atmosphere is far more exposed to solar radiation. During the storm, charged particles flooded the upper atmosphere, dramatically increasing radiation levels and disrupting spacecraft systems.
Radiation sensors aboard the Trace Gas Orbiter recorded a surge equivalent to around 200 days of normal radiation exposure in just 64 hours, while both spacecraft briefly experienced electronic disturbances caused by energetic particles.
Scientists also observed a major increase in electrons in the planet’s upper atmosphere at altitudes of roughly 110–130 kilometres. These measurements were made using radio signals transmitted between spacecraft as one orbiter passed behind the planet, allowing researchers to analyse how the atmosphere responded to the solar blast.
Understanding these events is crucial as space agencies prepare for the next phase of human exploration beyond Earth orbit.
Programs such as NASA’s Artemis Program aim to return astronauts to the moon later this decade and establish a sustained presence there. The moon is widely seen as a proving ground for technologies needed to safely send humans to Mars, including radiation protection, long-duration habitats and resilient communications.
Solar storms like the one observed at Mars underline the importance of these preparations. Intense bursts of solar radiation could threaten astronauts travelling through deep space and interfere with spacecraft communications, navigation systems and surface operations.
Australia is also expected to play a role in this emerging era of exploration. Facilities such as the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex already support spacecraft across the solar system and will remain critical for tracking missions operating around the moon and Mars.
Australian expertise in robotics, remote operations and space situational awareness could also contribute to the infrastructure needed to support sustained lunar missions and eventually human exploration of Mars.
For scientists, the solar superstorm is a reminder that the journey to Mars will involve navigating not only vast distances, but the powerful and unpredictable environment created by our sun.