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Solar Flares Shield Astronauts from Cosmic Rays

Posted by samzenpus on from the not-so-fantastic-four dept.

It doesn't come easy writes "Considering all of the research into better shielding for astronauts, it's interesting to note that solar flares can help shield space travelers from dangerous cosmic rays. From the article: "The crew of the ISS absorbed about 30% fewer cosmic rays than usual [during this last month of high solar activity]," says Frank Cucinotta, NASA's chief radiation health officer at the Johnson Space Center. "The storms actually improved the radiation environment inside the station." Scientists have long known about this phenomenon. It's called a "Forbush decrease," after American physicist Scott E. Forbush, who studied cosmic rays in the 1930s and 40s. So, I guess it would be safer to plan a manned Mars mission to coincide with peak sunspot activity?"

6 of 135 comments (clear)

  1. that's about once every 11 years... by HarveyTheWonderBug · · Score: 2, Funny

    Not very pratical for commuting ...

  2. when to have space missions by ScottSCY · · Score: 5, Funny

    "So, I guess it would be safer to plan a manned Mars mission to coincide with peak sunspot activity?"
    No, the real answer is to have space missions start on Sun-days. har har har har.

    1. Re:when to have space missions by aussie_a · · Score: 4, Funny

      No, the real answer is to have space missions start on Sun-days. har har har har.

      In space no-one can hear your terrible puns.

  3. Re:The fantastic four by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    buuuuuuuuurn

    (get it, it's a pun)

  4. No protection from death rays! by uncoveror · · Score: 3, Funny

    Solar flares may protect astronouts from cosmic rays, but will provide no defense against death rays or destructo-rays!

    --
    The Uncoveror: It's the real news.
  5. Re:Danger Level by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Of course, these same cosmic rays will also destroy cells in the brain and fragment DNA, potentially generating damage which could either lead to cancer or lead to genetic problems which could be passed on to future generations.

    Duude, you're full of crap! My cellphone does the same thing, and they say it's perfectly safe. Can you hear me now? Can you hear me meow? What?