Mars radiation fine for humans, Curiosity finds
Found on CNet News on Friday, 16 November 2012
Following Curiosity's landing on Mars in August, the rover's RAD device has measured radiation that's comparable to what astronauts experience aboard the International Space Station.
Mars lacks a global magnetic field, and researchers believe this led to the loss of most of its atmosphere long ago under solar wind bombardment. RAD has found that as the remaining Martian atmosphere thickens and thins daily, radiation levels rise and fall by 3 to 5 percent.
Everybody wants to go to Mars. Maybe they should take smaller steps first and establish a permanently manned station on the moon. After all, it should be easier to learn the basics on a nearby moon.