Can small magnetic fields on Mars repel deadly radiation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using strong magnets, such as superconductive or electromagnets, to create a magnetic field on Mars to repel harmful solar radiation. It highlights that Mars lacks a natural magnetic field due to its core cooling, necessitating a massive magnetic field to achieve any protective effect. The Earth’s magnetic field measures approximately 50 microtesla, and to replicate a protective field at a distance of 10 meters, tens of tesla would be required. The challenges of using large magnets, including limitations on superconductors and cooling issues, are emphasized, suggesting that utilizing rock layers may be a more practical solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of superconductive and electromagnet technology
  • Familiarity with radiation types, including solar radiation and solar flares
  • Basic principles of planetary geology and Martian environment
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the capabilities and limitations of superconductive magnets
  • Explore the effects of solar radiation on Mars and potential shielding methods
  • Investigate the engineering challenges of creating large electromagnets
  • Study the geological composition of Mars to assess the feasibility of using rock layers for radiation protection
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, planetary scientists, and researchers focused on Mars colonization and radiation protection strategies.

Alex299792458
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Since Mars doesn't have a magnetic field of its own due to the cooling of it's core, what if you took a strong magnet from Earth say a superconductive magnet or electromagnet, will the small magnetic field (relative to mars) repel solar radiation, solar flares and other background radiation form space?
 
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The field would have to be really massive and strong. As rough estimate, the product of magnetic flux density (in Tesla) and distance should be similar. The magnetic field of Earth has about 50 microtesla and thousands of kilometers, if you want to reduce this to 10 meters you need tens of tesla. The strongest large magnets (larger than a meter) have a few tesla, and going significantly above that would be really problematic. You cannot use superconductors above a certain field strength, and cooling normal conducting coils is problematic as well.
Using some layer of rock looks much easier.
 

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