Radiation belts are regions of the Earth’s magnetosphere that are populated by high levels of energetic charged particles. The Van Allen radiation belts were first discovered in 1958 by James Van Allen, using data from the Explorer 1 and 3 spacecraft.
The two main types of charged particles found in the Van Allen radiation belts are protons and electrons. The belts contain high levels of these particles because they are continually being supplied by solar wind and cosmic rays. The particles become trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field, which acts like a barrier, preventing them from escaping into space.
As a result of their high energy levels, the charged particles in the Van Allen radiation belts can be harmful to both humans and equipment. For this reason, spacecraft that are going to be operating in or near the belts need to be shielded against the radiation.
The Van Allen radiation belts are important for scientific research as they provide a natural laboratory for studying how charged particles interact with magnetic fields. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing technologies that can protect astronauts and equipment from the harmful effects of radiation exposure.