Overview
- The moon lacks a magnetic field, exposing astronauts to high-energy particles from the sun and cosmic rays.
- Solar energetic particle events can exceed safe radiation levels for astronauts, increasing cancer risks.
- NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the moon by 2026 and establish a long-term presence by the 2030s.
- The CLEAR center is working on predictive models to forecast solar flares and coronal mass ejections more than 24 hours in advance.
- Accurate solar event predictions are crucial as the sun approaches its maximum activity in its 11-year cycle.