An ultraviolet simulator for the incident Martian surface radiation and its applications

An ultraviolet simulator for the incident Martian surface radiation and its applications

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can act on putative organic/biological matter at the Martian surface in several ways. Only absorbed, but not transmitted or reflected, radiation energy can be photo-chemically effective. The most important biological UV effects are due to photochemical reactions in nucleic acids, DNA or RNA, which constitute the genetic material of all cellular organisms and viruses. ...

The Effect of Martian Surface Geometry on Ultraviolet Fluxes

Introduction: The atmosphere of Mars, unlike that of the Earth, does little to attenuate incoming ultraviolet radiation. Such large amounts of ultraviolet radiation are known not only to sterilize the hardiest of terrestrial organisms within minutes [1], but to chemically alter the soil such that organic molecules in the upper few cm are rapidly destroyed [2]. Thus the survival of any putative ...

Ultraviolet Radiation Induced Desorption of Water from Martian Soil

The composition and pressure of the martian atmosphere allows solar ultraviolet photons as short as 190 nm to penetrate to the surface. The effects of UV photons on the hydration state of minerals has been investigated in the past with mixed results. Andersen and Huguenin [1977] proposed that photons with wavelengths shorter than 280 nm release water from goethite by ejecting OHgroups which sub...

Ultraviolet Radiation on the Surface of Mars

Seasonal and diurnal variations in Martian surface ultraviolet irradiation: biological and chemical implications for the Martian regolith

The issue of the variation of the surface ultraviolet (UV) environment on Mars was investigated with particular emphasis being placed on the interpretation of data in a biological context. A UV model has been developed to yield the surface UV irradiance at any time and place over the Martian year. Seasonal and diurnal variations were calculated and dose rates evaluated. Biological interpretatio...