Van Allen Belts Protect Earth from Solar Wind
June 11, 2018
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.
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Earth Is a Safe Haven
May 23, 2018
Recent news articles show how mechanisms protect earth's inhabitants from a hail of bullets overhead.
Facing Reality About Life on Other Planets: Geophysics
September 5, 2017
by Dr Henry Richter This is a continuation of my discussion on the requirements to allow life to exist on a planet elsewhere in the universe. My discussion moved from our position in the galaxy, our position in the solar system, and then focused on the earth, looking at the influence of our moon, our […]
Explorer 1 Pioneer Corrects Mistakes in Space.com Article
August 15, 2017
Dr Henry Richter, instrument manager for the Explorer 1 mission (1958), corrects some mistakes about the mission in an article published at Space.com
Earth’s Magnetic Field Protects Us from Solar Sneezes
July 31, 2017
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.
Hope, Not Evidence, Drives Astrobiology
August 25, 2016
Earth-size exoplanets are not evidence for alien life. They are evidence for orbiting bodies.
Juno How Old the Solar System Is?
July 6, 2016
Everyone knows the solar system is 4.5 billion years old. Everyone, that is, except Nature herself.
Only Earth Is a Life Haven
June 23, 2016
Here are more discoveries that make it reasonable to think complex life is rare in the universe, and might be unique to Earth.
More Indications Earth Is Unique
February 25, 2016
The late Carl Sagan might be stunned to see today's astronomers questioning Earth's "humdrum" status.
Magnetic News
August 3, 2015
Magnetism is an important force in astronomy, planetary science and life. Here are news items involving magnets and magnetic fields.
Star Trek for Real: Impenetrable Force Field Protects Earth
November 29, 2014
Radiation belts discovered at the dawn of the space age have a new trick in their pocket: shielding the Earth.
Mars Radiation Would Fry Astronaut Brains
September 23, 2006
Imagine the first Martian astronauts coming home confused, impaired and demented. This is the risk from solar radiation on Mars, say a group of NASA medical researchers (see RxPG News). Among the gravest risks of a manned flight to Mars ranks the possibility that massive amounts of solar and cosmic radiation will decimate the brains […]