space radiation environment mars radiation environment The natural radiation environment in the vicinity of Mars comprising: the free space radiation environment, radiation produced by interactions of the free space radiation environment with the Martian atmosphere and crust, and radiation produced by naturally occurring radioactive elements in the Martian crust. The Martian radiation environment varies with location and time--for example with proximity to the Martian surface, shielding by the planetary body, and with the solar cycle and periodic solar particle events. It can include both ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation such as UVA, UVB and visible light, but often is used to refer to biologically damaging ionizing radiation such as galactic cosmic radiation and solar particles. martian radiation environment