Difference between revisions of "Storm shelter"
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| − | A '''storm shelter''' is a place where colonists can take refuge from a [[solar flare]]. The main [[settlement]] will be well shielded, so it in itself will be a storm shelter. However, manned [[rover]]s, [[railroad]] cars, [[airship]] and | + | A '''storm shelter''' is a place where colonists can take refuge from a [[solar flare]]. The main [[settlement]] will be well shielded, so it in itself will be a storm shelter. However, manned [[rover]]s, [[railroad]] cars, [[airship]]s and |
[[space access|landers]] will need emergency shielding if a solar flare occurs. | [[space access|landers]] will need emergency shielding if a solar flare occurs. | ||
===Physical Shields=== | ===Physical Shields=== | ||
A good material for this is [[polyethylene]], because it contains many [[hydrogen]] atoms, is light and can be made on [[Mars]] easily. [[Water]], which is two-thirds hydrogen, is another shielding option. | A good material for this is [[polyethylene]], because it contains many [[hydrogen]] atoms, is light and can be made on [[Mars]] easily. [[Water]], which is two-thirds hydrogen, is another shielding option. | ||
| − | ===Energy | + | ===Energy Shields=== |
| − | Strong localized magnetic fields have been shown to offer significant | + | Strong localized magnetic fields have been shown to offer significant shielding from [[radiation]]. Such shields could be made portable for use on vehicles. |
===Open issues=== | ===Open issues=== | ||
*Is there any way of measuring high radiation levels on the surface of Mars? If such levels are detected, will it be too late? | *Is there any way of measuring high radiation levels on the surface of Mars? If such levels are detected, will it be too late? | ||
Revision as of 11:38, 25 January 2011
A storm shelter is a place where colonists can take refuge from a solar flare. The main settlement will be well shielded, so it in itself will be a storm shelter. However, manned rovers, railroad cars, airships and landers will need emergency shielding if a solar flare occurs.
Physical Shields
A good material for this is polyethylene, because it contains many hydrogen atoms, is light and can be made on Mars easily. Water, which is two-thirds hydrogen, is another shielding option.
Energy Shields
Strong localized magnetic fields have been shown to offer significant shielding from radiation. Such shields could be made portable for use on vehicles.
Open issues
- Is there any way of measuring high radiation levels on the surface of Mars? If such levels are detected, will it be too late?
- Even with space access, an autonomous colony will not be able to launch its own satellites to monitor the Sun.
