The Astronaut has been living alone on the surface of Mars for the past 6 months. How might this affect their mental and physical state?
Things to consider:
- It took the Astronaut 6-8 months to get to Mars.
- It can take up to 20 minutes for messages from Earth to reach Mars (and vice-versa).
- The surface temperature of Mars can range from -120° C to 30° C.
- Mars' atmosphere is made up of mostly carbon dioxide, with a little bit of water vapour.
- Mars' atmosphere is very thin, allowing a lot of radiation to reach the surface.
- Exposure to radiation can result in altered cognitive function, reduced motor function, and behavioral changes.
- Mars' gravity is approximately 1/3 that of Earth's.
- Spending time in low gravity environments can lead to loss of hand-eye coordination, reduced bone density, vision problems and nausea.
- A martian day is 24h 39m 35 seconds, a martian year 687 days.
- NASA recommends journalling for crew-members living in isolation and confinement.
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