Geophysicists are still puzzling over how the earth's magnetic field and Van Allen radiation belts protect the surface from deadly particles in the solar wind.
Old-earth belief tries to paper over a disturbing fact with speculative models, but 160 years of measurements show the strength of our planet's magnetic field is dropping fast.
By capturing solar 'sneezes' of high-energy charged particles, the Van Allen Belts provide a prime example of how the earth and its space environment are designed to allow and protect life.