Posted on 07/18/2006 5:49:18 PM PDT by KevinDavis
A bubble of plasma could shield astronauts from radiation during long journeys through space, researchers are suggesting. If the idea proves viable, it means heavy metal protective panels could be replaced by a plasma shield of just a few grams.
Astronauts travelling beyond the Earth's orbit would be at risk of cancer and other illnesses due to their long term exposure to cosmic rays. Some of these energetic particles are spewed forth during outbursts from the Sun. Others come from outside our solar system and are more mysterious in origin.
The Earth's magnetic field protects spacecraft in low Earth orbits, such as the space shuttle and International Space Station. But astronauts journeying to Mars would benefit from no such protection. Thick metal shielding could absorb the rays, but the extra weight that would need to be launched into space might make this an impractical approach.
(Excerpt) Read more at newscientistspace.com ...
Great idea.
I would think that living inside a sphere of water would work just as well.
Failing that, just emulate the earth. A giant magnetosphere with lots of atmosphere ;).
Well, at least the scientists are now considering cosmic rays. For a while there, it seemed they thought Columbus was about to sail across the Atlantic. What does it take to generate plasma? High heat and energy, no?
A huge manmade magnetic field should also protect from radiation. But won't a large magnetic field and producing plasma use up a lot of energy?
Believe me, they've taken both solar and cosmic radiation seriously from day one. :)
Gives new meaning to "Shields up!"
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.