Sunlight

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The sun is in average 227936637 km away from Mars. The Sunlight arrives after 13 minutes on Mars with a power of 589 W/m². It is not as bright as on Earth (1367 W/m²). No one has ever seen it, but it probably gives the impression of dawn or dusk during daytime. Colonists should have this impression only for a few days until their visual brain center adapts.

The Martian atmosphere does not filter der sunlight enough, leaving to much UV ray and high energy particles to reach the surface. Life is considered not possible without additional shielding.

The amount of usable energy on the surface is lower due to the rotation of the planet and the angle of the plain. Also, reflection and absorption at the atmosphere must be considered. On Earth the annual usable energy is 1000 kWh (in Middle Europe) to 2350 kWh in the Sahara.

Open issues

• What are the phychological and physiological effects of the permanent dim light on humans, animals and plants?
• Are there scientific facts of a positive effect of artificial light to compensate the lack of sunlight?
• What is the annual usable energy on Mars?