Deadly electrons in space

Los Alamos scientists have discovered how the interaction between electromagnetic waves and electrons works, which is responsible for the acceleration of radiation in the Van Allen particle belt

Space travel is dangerous, and may cost lives. But now scientists have discovered how one of the active threats in space works, calling the threat "lethal electrons". Thanks to the use of data from the fleet of spacecraft, scientists from the Los Alamos National Laboratory understood how electromagnetic waves accelerate electrons in the Van Allen particle belt around the Earth, to a speed that destroys them. These electrons endanger satellites, spaceships and especially astronauts.

The scientists' research was published in July in the Nature Physics magazine with the title: "The Energization of Relativistic Electrons in the Outer Van Allen Radiation Belt"

The scientists measured a stream of electrons striking the satellite, and converted them into magnetic landmarks. The research showed them that the electrons peak because of acceleration caused by electromagnetic waves. But they still don't understand the exact mechanism that causes the acceleration.

NASA's two new radiation belt probes are planned for launch in 2012 to the Van Allen belt to measure the physical process that creates the particle belt and causes them to fade and disappear. The data that will be sent from the probes will help scientists understand the mechanism of action more deeply.

Adding the translator: The Van Allen belts are a series of electrically charged particle belts that surround the Earth and are found in the magnetosphere. The innermost belt is found at an altitude of 3,200 kilometers above the earth's surface and the outermost at an altitude of 14,500 to 19,000 kilometers.- Source: Wikipedia.

Translation: Yariv Zerbiv.
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