Radiation/ Mars compared to Earth

[nexium]

Summary: Radio waves are same as on Earth's surface, except for the man-made radio waves of Earth, with some exceptions. These have little or no effect on biology, except at intensities that rarely occur except inside microwave ovens.<br /><br />Earth has three? times the infrared at the surface due partly to greenhouse effect. This makes Mars too cold for most kinds of life/ much of tropical Earth is too hot for some species of life.<br /><br />Mars averages about the same visable light (and near ultraviolet) as Earth, because negligible clouds and the thinner atmosphere offsets 60%? less visable light from the sun. This is good news for photo synthesis and solar energy.<br />The rest of the ultraviolet spectrum is reduced by ozone and other things in Earth's atmosphere by about ten, so this harmful to life radiation is stronger on Mars.<br /><br />X rays and gamma rays are minor problems to life on Earth's surface. On Mars they are dangerous during solar flares, sun spots and CMEs = solar mass ejection.<br /><br />Helium nuclii, electrons, and hydrogen nuclii = protons and some other kinds of ionized particles are about ten times more hazardous on Mars due to the very thin atmosphere and lack of magnetic field. This is likely true of the comparatively rare particles from outside our solar system, some of which arrive at nearly the speed of light.<br />Neutrons may also be a significant hazard on the surface of Mars. Sorry there are so many kinds of radiation. Neil