Solar flare seen for the first time hitting Earth, Moon and Mars at the same time

The events that occur in the vast immensity of our Universe increasingly fascinate scientists and astronomers, who curiously observe cosmic phenomena to obtain as much knowledge as possible about the infinity that surrounds us.

Our mother star, the Sun, whose presence makes life possible on Earth Earthalthough much studied, continues to be the target of research due to its unpredictable and frighteningly impactful nature, over which we have no control whatsoever.

Solar flares, which release strong waves of electromagnetic energy into space, are not accurately predicted. All that remains for humanity is to analyze the results of its impact on celestial bodies, seeking to achieve even greater advances and use them for the benefit of space exploration.

It is not uncommon for solar storms to occur; However, curiously, a single colossal eruption from the Sun recently managed to reach the Earth, the Moon and the surface of Mars, arousing the interest of the scientific community.

Earth, Mars and Moon are hit by huge Solar flare

Photo: Pixabay/Pexel/Reproduction

A somewhat unusual occurrence was witnessed by humanity in October 2021. A vast amount of plasma was launched by the Sun towards the planet we live on, in an act known in astronomy as a “coronal mass ejection”.

This event releases, through an eruption on the solar surface, a large quantity of charged gaseous particles (ions) which, when reaching the Earth’s magnetic field, can significantly impact the media.

Researchers observed the event two years ago and recently published a study in Geographical Research Lettersrevealing the cosmic synchrony where the solar wind reached the Earth, the Moon and Mars at the same time.

Event detection

The probes and space equipment launched by humanity were able to provide us with this information about the simultaneity of events, the main ones being: NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover and ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO).

This was the first time that something like this had been seen, and the results could help in studies of the sun’s impact on the magnetic fields and surfaces of planets, in addition to helping in the development of equipment for astronauts’ next trip to the Moon. Jingnan Guo, principal author of the study, explains that:

“Understanding these events is crucial for future crewed missions to the surface of the Moon.”

The impacts of the solar flare

This event was the 73rd recorded since 1940, known as ground level improvement, where solar rays were able to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field.

On the other hand, the Moon and Mars they do not have this magnetic protection, which allows higher energy rays to directly reach their surfaces. However, the red planet has an atmosphere that slows down radioactive particles, also attenuating those with lower energy.

It is worth mentioning that no laws of physics were violated and the simultaneity was not exact, due to the distance of the planets in relation to the Sun and the limitation of the speed of light. The event was filmed and publicized by ESA.

Photo: ESA/Disclosure