Question

In planning a space mission to Mars, NASA officials are considering using solar panels to provide energy for many of the instruments on the planet's surface. Using your knowledge of seasons and temperatures here on Earth as a model, briefly outline the factors that would influence solar radiation on the Martian surface.

Answer 1

Some factors that would impact or influence solar radiation include distance from the sun and the tilt of its axis. Mars is tilted on its axis much like planet earth is. Its is tilted 25 degrees. This means it experiences seasons in much the same way like earth. In terms of solar radiation, it would be strongest at the equator and weakest at which ever pole is tilted away from the sun. At this point that part of the planet would experience winter.