If we place super conducting magents in space and activate them to protect the space station from Solar CME's would they be effective enough to protect the astronauts from radiation?
2006-11-02 07:31:33 · 4 answers · asked by Stan B 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
What would be the point? Getting all the equipment up there for such a shield would require far more mass and effort than just throwing up some extra metal that would absorb the radiations.
The only time astronauts are at any serious level of risk is during an EVA -- so if there's a major flare, all they need do is scuttle back inside and wait it out. Their typical exposure is not much more than you'd get from a medical X-ray . . .
2006-11-02 07:48:29 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The station is still within the earth's protective magnetic field. However, there is still a danger of exposure to energetic waves.
Even when we went to the moon, they were still in the magnetic field. A manned trip to Mars is altogether different...
2006-11-02 16:33:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. We could, but the other answers probably make more sense. The sun's activity is on the increase so they may have to do something to protect the crew.
2006-11-02 15:54:59 · answer #3 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have to believe putting some material would be much easier. I might have heard that one inch of water provides a decent barrier to space radiation.
2006-11-02 15:37:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋