hazardous to human health and able to pass through anything, wouldnt they harm astronauts?
2006-07-26 18:13:10 · 7 answers · asked by monarenee 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Gamma Rays pass through lead, as well as the material the spacesuit is made out of.
2006-07-26 18:27:02 · update #1
Astronauts are exposed to all kinds of radiation from when in space. However the dangerous radiation, gamma rays and cosmic rays even though they are more when in outer space than under the protection of the earth's atmosphere are still low enough for our body to endure combined with the total exposure time. Unless in very specific cases were there are sudden increase of harmful radiation due to physical events mainly from the Sun, the amount of radiation that hits an astronaut's body is not enough to cause any harm because of the limited time he stays up there. For long travels in space things are different but that has not been done yet ;)
2006-07-26 18:50:03 · answer #1 · answered by Sporadic 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gamma rays pass through the astronauts too. But the amount of gamma radiation is not that large so the astronauts do not get a dangerous dose. However, NASA officially classifies astronauts as radiation workers, like nuclear power plant workers. That means they have to sign a legal form acknowledging that they are being exposed to more radiation than an average person and they accept that risk.
By the way, people on airliners are exposed to much more gamma radiation too, because they fly above 30,000, which is above about half the atmosphere.
2006-07-27 02:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. However, the incidence of gamma radiation in space is generally too low to cause harm in the time that they are there.
2006-07-26 18:57:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm i'm not too sure of the exact details about astronauts but Gamma can be stopped by a certain thickness of lead. if not i dont think we'll be able to use radiation to treat cancer and stuff. all radiologists have to wear this thick lead suit to protect themselves rite?
2006-07-26 18:42:58 · answer #4 · answered by sianz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is ionizing radiation which means it knocks an electron from it's orbit completely changing it's make up. Can cause mutations, DNA damage, etc. Hence it is very dangerous to astronauts. However, tt has it's medical uses as well. It is sometimes used for cancer treatment, and can sterilize objects.
2006-07-26 23:29:05 · answer #5 · answered by John R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They wear a suit that prevents this radiation.
2006-07-26 18:17:05 · answer #6 · answered by Mr.Scientist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is a variable halting interstellar travel
2006-07-29 12:27:37 · answer #7 · answered by charles w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋