It's amazing how much they look like electron orbitals. . . . Sometimes its seems like the reason we see nature reuse the same patterns is not from any physical mechanism but simply because math only has so many "shapes." I am perpetually in awe at this mysterious order to our universe.<p>Also: if these belts block high-energy electrons, can they teach us to build a force field that does the same? And can that solve the problem of fast-moving spacecraft being destroyed by the first spec of dust they encounter? Or of radiation killing the crew?<p>What if the only way to protect life against cosmic radiation is to build a planet-sized spacecraft?<p>Another question due to my weak grasp of modern physics: to a fast-moving spacecraft, are all electrons "high energy"?
The title is a bit hyperbolic. The article shows how the Van Allen belts constitute a "nearly impenetrable" barrier preventing "ultra-fast electrons" from approaching the earth.
I find that the more we know about this planet that keeps us safe, a large moon to keep asteroids away and tectonics hot, a mass just enough to keep an atmosphere around us and a spinning iron core to provide "impenetrable barriers", the more I learn of this the less I think Fermi found a paradox and just that it's hard for life to stay alive in this universe.
Here is a related article that discusses removing the Van Allen belts:<p><a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/astrophysics/hacking-the-van-allen-belts" rel="nofollow">http://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/astrophysics/hacking-the-...</a>
Moron here. So what are the ramifications of this? Does it inhibit our ability to observe the universe? Dare I ask, does this offer any protection from anything nasty the universe might send our way?
This certainly seems like something we need to duplicate for spaceships, to more safely travel to mars and beyond.<p>I don't know much about the dangers of these particles on the human body. I'm going to assume any environment different to the one on earth poses great risk.
> Impenetrable Barrier in Spac<p>Gee, then, how'd various spacecraft get through it?<p>Ah, now that I read the details, it's a "nearly impenetrable barrier" to electrons. Okay, now
not so amazing! No need to call Captain Kirk!<p>Such titles are called "click bait" or some
such, right?