NASA to pause most of its robotic Mars exploration efforts in October 2021

NASA to pause most of its robotic Mars exploration efforts in October 2021

Question: Mars reaches in a position in its orbit called solar conjunction, which happens in?
a) Every two years
b) Every three years
c) Every five years
d) Every ten years
Answer: (a)
Related Facts:-

  • On Oct. 7, Mars will reach a position in its orbit called solar conjunction, which happens every two years.
  • It happens when the Mars or any other planet moves behind the sun from Earth’s perspective.
  • NASA therefore will pause most of its robotic Mars exploration efforts in October 2021 for safety reasons associated with the Red Planet’s position in space.
  • NASA informed that the sun’s hot outer atmosphere, or corona, lying in the line of sight, may disrupt interplanetary communications.
  • This particular situation compelled NASA to take this necessary decision to stop sending active commands to its MARS Missions for the next few weeks.

Links:-
https://www.space.com/nasa-mars-blackout-solar-conjunction-2021