Weather Events[ | ]
| “ | These can be a serious threat to both the astronaut and their base. Bad conditions can damage buildings built by the player. Martian dust called regolith covers solar panels and glass, which has negative effect on certain functionalities necessary for survival. Recorded changes of weather conditions on Mars include: solar storm, sandstorm, tornado, dust devils, meteor shower, extreme drops in temperature during the nighttime. | „ |
| ~ Marsopedia on Weather |
Dust Storms[ | ]
| “ | When it comes to weather on Mars, a sandstorm is an exceptionally peculiar phenomenon. It can occur simply as a single tornado, or it can change into a global-wide, long-lasting hurricane reaching up to thousands of kilolmeters in width. The latter phenomenon is a result of dust heating up, which causes the dust-filled air to raise, strengthening the storm in consequence. For all that, Martian dust storms are quite frequent and large-scale, with the top speed of 100 km/h, which is not necessarily deadly. What is more, given the thinness of Martian atmosphere, speed shouldn't be taken into account considering the danger of those winds. However, what should be allowed for, is the size of the dust particles, which are small and electrostatic. This means they can easily stick to surfaces they contact. This characteristic feature might greatly affect the efficiency of solar panels. | „ |
| ~ Marsopedia on Weather |
Dust Devils[ | ]
| “ | Tornadoes on Mars are also referred to as dust devils. Similarly to dust storms, they are being formed by raising dust-filled air when the surface is heated by the sunlight. Unlike a typical tornado, dust devils require good weather and can form unusual shapes due to Mars' tenuous atmosphere. The highest twister recorded by NASA's Reconnaissance Orbiter was about 20 km tall. Do keep in mind though, that just like in case of dust storms, those dust devils are not as dangerous as tornadoes on Earth. | „ |
| ~ Marsopedia on Weather |
Solar Storms[ | ]
| “ | Solar storms occur when the sun emits huge bursts of energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These phenomena send a stream of electical charges and magnetic fields toward the Earth at a speed of about three million miles per hour. When a solar storm strikes the Earth, it often produces a dazzling northern lights display (aurora) in parts of the atmosphere that can be seen in areas close to the Arctic Circle. Solar storms can also disrupt satellites and various forms of electronic communications. Thin atmosphere of Mars does not protect the planet from UV radiation, and in case of a solar storm the level of radiation on the Red Planet might double. One of the dangers behind solar storms is a possibility that electric devices, especially wireless radio communications, might get damaged when hit by the magnetic field. | „ |
| ~ Marsopedia on Weather |
Thunderstorms[ | ]
| “ | Scientists from Earth were almost sure that Martian dust storms should produce electric discharges. Despite the fact that many factors supported this theory, such phenomenon could not be observed for many years. In 2006, an especially designed detector installed on a 34-meter radio telescope finally registered lightning on Mars. Interestingly enough, lightning on Mars isn't a bolt, as on Earth. Scientists found out that Martian dust storms carry what appears to be an electric glow in the clouds. The presence of electric discharges on Mars is not a bad news since life is most likely to develop with lightning, than without it. However, this discovery made designers and engineers factor this phenomenon into the designs. | „ |
| ~ Marsopedia on Weather |