What forms the zones of trapped radiation encircling our planet near Earth?
Answer
The Van Allen Belts.
Earth’s magnetic field captures charged particles from the solar wind and GCRs, forming zones known as the Van Allen Belts, which constitute a concern for missions in Low Earth Orbit.
Related Questions
What are the three main components dividing the space radiation environment for missions near or beyond Earth?What characterizes Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) regarding their origin and persistence?What is the typical source and timing associated with Solar Particle Events (SPEs)?What forms the zones of trapped radiation encircling our planet near Earth?What percentage of Galactic Cosmic Rays typically consists of protons (Hydrogen Nuclei)?How is secondary radiation typically created in the context of space travel?Which types of particles are often included in the shower of secondary radiation generated upon impact?Why are materials rich in hydrogen, like polyethylene, often preferred for shielding against GCRs compared to dense materials like aluminum?How does the intensity of a major Solar Particle Event (SPE) compare to the background flux of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs)?For missions operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), such as the ISS, what represents a distinct radiation concern?