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Title: Electrons in the Inner Van Allen Belt

Multimedia ·
OSTI ID:1369549

A recent study shows that the inner Van Allen belt has less radiation than previously believed. Observations from NASA’s Van Allen probes show the fastest, most energetic electrons in the inner radiation belt are actually much rarer and harder to find than scientists expected. This is good news for spacecraft that are orbiting in the region and can be damaged by high levels of radiation. The results will also help scientists better understand—and detect—effects from high-altitude nuclear explosions.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
OSTI ID:
1369549
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English