The world of rovers · 140
Communication with Mars
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Every two years, for about two weeks, ionised gas in the solar corona distorts and blocks radio communication between Earth and Mars. Commands are withheld until Mars is two degrees from the Sun, although Mars continues transmitting data and some are lost. This applies to all Martian probes and rovers.
Instant communication with Mars is impossible because light is too slow—or the distance too great. A message reaches Mars 3–22 minutes after it is sent from Earth.