Can the Mars probe ship be hit with dust?

The US Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said it was keeping a close eye on a giant dust storm on Mars that created many atmospheric changes in the planet.

This is the first time since the 1970s that NASA tracks such a phenomenon from both satellites and a weather station on the surface of Mars.

'This is a regional dust storm. It covered a large area with huge dust clouds. It forms and acts where previously regional storms have developed and embraced the entire planet , 'said Rich Zurek, head of the group of scientists specializing in Mars research.

A giant dust storm is creating many changes to the Martian atmosphere.

'One of the things we want to find out is why some dust storms on Mars only grow to a certain size, while many other dust storms are constantly evolving, then covering all. Red Planet set , "added Zurek.

The dust storm currently shows about 1,350km of the self-propelled robot Opportunity (Opportunity) launched on Mars in 2004. If it continues to spread, it can cause unpredictable effects to Opportunity because this robot is now active Dynamic based on solar energy absorption.

'Dust storm will cause the dust to fall on the surface of the solar panels of Opportunity, reducing the ability to absorb heat to convert into energy to ensure its daily operation' , the NASA scientist adds.

Meanwhile, the Mars Curiosity probe, which was launched on Red Planet on August 6, may be less affected by the storm because it receives energy from a radioactive isotope generator instead of solar panels. NASA spent 2.5 billion dollars on the Curiosity Mars probe project. Curiosity was launched on Red Planet and will stay here for two years with the mission to search for life and life support conditions on Mars.