Space Weather on Mars workshop

ESAC, MADRID (SPAIN), 9-13 November 2026

The space radiation environment plays a crucial role in shaping planetary atmospheres and surfaces, particularly for planets like Mars that lack a global magnetic field. This workshop will focus on high-energy particles—galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs)—and their propagation through the heliosphere, as well as their interaction with the Martian environment.

Energetic particles are of particular concern due to their potential to disrupt space missions, posing risks to both human explorers and spacecraft systems. On Mars, these particles can penetrate deep into the atmosphere and reach the surface, driving ionization processes that can trigger phenomena such as diffuse auroras and radio blackouts. These effects are especially relevant for future robotic and crewed exploration.

Recent advances in observations and modeling provide unprecedented opportunities to investigate these processes. Measurements from missions such as MAVEN, Tianwen-1, and other planetary spacecraft, together with multi-spacecraft observations throughout the heliosphere, are transforming our understanding of particle acceleration, transport, and planetary impacts. At the same time, new numerical and data-driven modeling approaches are improveing our capability to characterize and forecast space weather conditions across the Solar System. 

This 5-day workshop  will bring together experts in heliophysics, planetary science, atmospheric science, radiation environments, and space weather. The program will combine invited review talks, contributed presentations, and interactive discussion sessions designed to foster collaboration and develop new research directions.

The main scientific objectives are:

• Investigate the acceleration and propagation of energetic particles, including both SEPs and GCR-related phenomena. 
• Advance our understanding of energetic particle transport throughout the heliosphere through observations, theory, and modeling.
• Assess the impact of energetic particles on planetary environments, including ionospheric, atmospheric, and surface effects. 
• Explore the implications of planetary space weather for current and future robotic and human exploration missions. 
• Strengthen connections between observational, theoretical, and modeling communities to improve our understanding and forecasting of space weather effects across the Solar System. 

Important dates

Learn more about the programme here for details on the schedule and sessions.

ORGANIZERS

Laura Rodríguez García (ESA/ESAC)

Marco Pinto (LIP/Portugal)

Olivier Witasse (ESA/ESTEC)

Catherine Fischer (ESA/ESAC)