Science: Radiation Belt

(2 of 2)

The radiation zone is by no means a "death belt" that will keep humans from reaching space, but it might do some damage to men who live for a long time in a satellite. Van Allen figured that the radiation level inside the satellite might reach about 0.06 roentgens per hour. At this rate a man would receive in five hours his maximum weekly permissible dose of 0.3 roentgens. A small amount of lead shielding would reduce the dose to a supportable level. The crew of an outbound spaceship need not worry about the radiation belt. If moving fast enough to leave the earth, they would pass through it in about 20 minutes.

Quotes of the Day »

Get & Share
SARAH PALIN, in an interview with Oprah that will air Monday, on whether her almost son-in-law Levi Johnston will be coming to Thanksgiving dinner
For use in rail of Articles page or Section Fronts pages. Duplicate and change name as necesssary to distinguish.

Time.com on Digg

POWERED BY digg

Quotes of the Day »

Get & Share
SARAH PALIN, in an interview with Oprah that will air Monday, on whether her almost son-in-law Levi Johnston will be coming to Thanksgiving dinner

Stay Connected with TIME.com