Radiation

Abstract

The potentially devastating consequences of radiation on humans and spacecraft were examined in this chapter. Radiation was defined and explained. The deadly nature of gamma rays and cosmic rays was discussed. Solar particles were considered. The significant amount of radiation was discussed. M dwarf stars were considered as were solar flares. Energetic transient radiation events were discussed. The emerging concept of muons was recognized.

Keywords: Alpha particles, Beppo/SAX satellite, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Satellite, coronal mass ejections, cosmic rays, energetic transient radiation events, gamma rays, GLAST burst monitor, hypernova, Keck telescope, M dwarf stars, muons, passive shielding, photons, quantum, radiation, solar flares, solar particles, subatomic particles, Van Allen Belt.