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RE: The Van Allen Belts: Rings of radiation high above our heads

in #steemstem7 years ago

Well considering the relatively low strength of the Earth's magnetic field trapping the protons to begin with, I guess you could contruct a magnetic deflection shield around a spacecraft. But if you want your spacecraft sitting in a giant magnetic field is an entirely different question :D

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Earth's magnetic field isn't that strong in magnitude but it's huge, covering a region much bigger than the planet. It's the overall expanse (related to the planet's dipole moment) that lets it significantly interact with radiation.

Spacecraft magnetic shields are possible but a little different, and very easy to do. However I don't see the magnetic field causing any damage to the spacecraft unless it is changing quickly.