Celestia Forums

Is there any Earth magnetic field add on or Van Allen belt anywhere?
BTW, Is Van Allen belt dangerous? Why? how could spacecraft be protected?

ar81 wrote:Is there any Earth magnetic field add on or Van Allen belt anywhere?

Not that I'm aware of.

BTW, Is Van Allen belt dangerous?

Yes.

Why?

It contains many fast-moving electrons and protons, held in by the Earth's magnetic field. Charged particles (also known as "ionizing radiation") flying through material break apart molecules. This does nasty things to the chemistry that keeps you alive, for example.

how could spacecraft be protected?

Minimizing the time they're in it plus thick layers of hydrogenated material like plastics.