Specifically, what is the risk to astronauts passing through it on their way to the moon?
2007-07-20 06:51:11 · 8 answers · asked by rambling vine 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If they stayed, naked and unshielded, in the most intense area of radiation for a lengthy period -- several days -- they would die of radiation exposure. But since they only spend a few hours in the Van Allen belt going each way, shielded inside the spacecraft -- no big deal. Probably little worse than getting a chest X-ray or two.
2007-07-20 08:24:00 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The radiation in the Van Allen belts will not kill anyone instantly--in fact, almost all radiation sources will not kill anyone instantly. Lethality and danger is a combination of the intensity of the source, shielding, and (most importantly) time of exposure. Humans can withstand intense radiation without any immediate problems if they are exposed for a short enough time.
Shielding also helps, but no shielding is perfect. Some types of radiation (gamma rays) require the equivalent of 36 inches of lead to _completely_ stop it, so shielding is designed more to _reduce_ exposure than to prevent it.
That being said, some of the other consequences, such as fertility problems and lifelong risk of cancer are much more poorly known. We know there is some risk, but that risk is again _probably_ less with reduced exposure time or increased shielding.
When it comes to the Van Allen belts, yes, if you were exposed to them for days or weeks, there may be some danger or it might even be lethal. But to expose humans to it for hours was obviously not a problem.
2007-07-20 08:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The spaceship does offer some shielding but it can not completely shield the Astronauts. So they end up getting a radiation dose equivalent to a few X-Rays. So, all the hoax garbage about the Van Allen Radiation Belts killing the Astronauts is false. I am an Aerospace Engineer and I am currently working on the Orion Spaceship which will return us to the moon.
2007-07-20 07:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well the Astronauts actually get through the Belt no matter where they are going cause the Spaceship protects from Radiation.
2007-07-20 06:56:44 · answer #4 · answered by MrCool1978 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no danger at all. They are only in the belt for a few minutes. Not long enough to cause any real harm. They get a few years worth or radiation, that's it.
2007-07-20 06:57:12 · answer #5 · answered by flibbitygibet 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The strength is about like a tooth X-ray. Safe for a quick dash through but not to stay there for weeks at a time. After all, the dentist does leave the room when taking an X-ray. It is safe for the patient who only gets one X-ray a year, but not the dentist who takes many per day.
2007-07-20 07:56:41 · answer #6 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the length of the exposure.
2007-07-25 06:10:01 · answer #7 · answered by E.P. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a REASON why the Space shuttle only flys about 300 miles up.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fakedmoonlandings/
2007-07-20 07:19:10 · answer #8 · answered by Randy M 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋