Magnetic Bubble Could Protect Astronauts

In summary, a proposed magnetic bubble could potentially protect astronauts in space from the solar wind. While it may also provide some shielding against the Van Allen radiation belt, which is not considered to be significantly harmful, it is uncertain if it would provide complete protection. Further research on this topic is needed.
  • #1
sanman
745
24
Here's some news about how a proposed magnetic bubble could protect astronauts in space against the solar wind:

http://www.physorg.com/news145004546.html

My question is - will it also work against the Van Allen radiation belt?
 
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  • #2
The Van Allen belts are not that harmful. 18 astronauts have passed through them twice (to and from the moon) with no noticeable effects. Although this device should help shield the astronauts from the radiation in the VA belts, it's not that harmful in the first place.

FGG
 
  • #3



That's a great question! The article doesn't specifically mention the Van Allen radiation belt, but it does mention that the magnetic bubble could protect against charged particles, which are also a component of the Van Allen belt. However, it's not clear if the magnetic bubble would be strong enough to completely shield against the radiation in the belt. It would be interesting to see if further research is done on this topic. Thanks for bringing it up!
 

Related to Magnetic Bubble Could Protect Astronauts

1. What is a magnetic bubble?

A magnetic bubble is a region of space with a strong and uniform magnetic field. It can be created by a special type of magnetic field generator called a magnetic mirror, which is often used in fusion research.

2. How can a magnetic bubble protect astronauts?

A magnetic bubble can protect astronauts from harmful cosmic radiation by deflecting high-energy particles away from their spacecraft or habitat. This is because the magnetic field acts as a shield, diverting the particles around the protected area.

3. Why is protection from cosmic radiation important for astronauts?

Cosmic radiation is made up of high-energy particles from sources such as the sun, distant stars, and supernovae. These particles can be damaging to human cells and genetic material, leading to potential health risks for astronauts who are exposed to them for extended periods of time.

4. How does the magnetic bubble stay in place?

The magnetic bubble is held in place by the magnetic field generator, which continuously produces and maintains the strong and uniform magnetic field. This allows the bubble to effectively deflect incoming particles and protect the astronauts inside.

5. Are there any potential drawbacks to using a magnetic bubble for protection?

One potential drawback is the energy and resources required to create and maintain the magnetic bubble. Additionally, the magnetic field may interfere with certain electronic equipment, so careful planning and shielding may be necessary. Further research and testing is needed to fully assess the effectiveness and feasibility of using a magnetic bubble for astronaut protection.

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