Cosmic rays threaten the astronaut's brain to Mars

Long-term exposure to cosmic rays on the way to Mars can reduce astronaut's cognitive function.

Cosmic rays affect the astronaut's brain

According to Science Alert, NASA plans to send astronauts to Mars over the next 20 years. However, one study has shown that exposure to cosmic rays can impair astronaut's cognitive impairment during a long journey in space.

At NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory, scientists from the University of California, Irvine (USA) simulate the harsh conditions of deep space. They exposed a group of genetically engineered mice to a similar beam of cosmic rays. Genetically altered mice have luminescent neurons, making it easier for the team to observe changes in their brains.

Six weeks later, the irradiated mice had about 30-40% fewer branch fibers between neurons (neurons) than normal mice. Exposure to cosmic rays causes nerve fibers to degrade, which affects the mind, like those with Alzheimer's or other similar neuropathy.

Cosmic rays penetrate through the Earth's atmosphere.(Artwork: NASA).

Results showed that irradiated mice had a slower response time, lack of curiosity, forgetfulness and confusion than normal mice. If the same change happens to astronauts in space, their ability to react quickly and recall their information will be affected.

"This is not good news for astronauts who spend two to three years traveling to Mars and returning home," said Charles Limoli, professor of radiation-related cancer and a member of the course, save.

"The reduction in brain performance, memory loss, loss of awareness and distraction during space travel has the potential to affect important mission activities."

Cosmic rays emitted from galactic explosions, are high-energy particles, moving at very high speeds in space. They can easily penetrate the shell of the spacecraft and human bones, causing significant damage to the body's central nervous system.

On Earth, the magnetosphere acts like a protective bubble, protecting us from the harmful effects of cosmic rays. The magnetosphere extends about 56,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, so astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) are also protected. However, Mars' magnetosphere is so thin that it cannot provide such protection.

With astronauts' long-term mission, any effect of cosmic rays has enough time to reveal. The ability to perform astronauts' duties, their ability to conduct research, their awareness, may be compromised by these effects.