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Mars dust storms may create electrical hazards for future missions
Key Takeaways
- Researchers analyzed Mars Year 34, including the 2018 global dust storm, using Mars Climate Database v.6.1.
- The study found lower-atmosphere electric fields under breakdown-favorable conditions during the storm.
- The authors do not quantify risk to specific spacecraft or habitats but argue the environment deserves closer attention.
- Future Mars mission planning may need to treat dust storms as electrostatic hazards as well as visibility and power hazards.
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DT Editorial Team··via universetoday.com