Scientists at the University of Colorado have found that high-energy electrons in the Earth's radiation belts are due to cosmic rays that occur in supernova explosions. These particles pose a threat to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts on board. This was announced in a press release on the EurekAlert! Website.
The Van Allen radiation belt was discovered in 1958. It is a toroid that surrounds the Earth and consists of two regions - the inner and outer radiation belts. It accumulates and retains charged particles that have penetrated into the planet's magnetosphere. It was believed that the high-energy protons observed in the Van Allen belt are due to the decay of neutrons. However, this has not yet been proven.
The study was carried out using the small space telescope CSSWE, designed to register charged particles.
Studies have shown that cosmic rays, mainly consisting of protons and atomic nuclei, enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with atoms. The result is charged particles, including electrons, which are captured by the planet's magnetic fields. This process is called the decay of albedo neutrons from cosmic rays (in English - Cosmic Ray Albedo Neutron Decay).
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles moving at high speed through outer space. Supernovae and neutron stars are their source. Long-term exposure to cosmic rays can be harmful to health.