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Where are the Van Allen radiation belts found?

AstronomySpace environment

Quick Answer

The Van Allen belts surround Earth in the planet’s magnetosphere.

The Full Story

The Van Allen radiation belts are regions of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field. They form around the planet in the magnetosphere, above the atmosphere and extending thousands of kilometres into space. The belts were discovered in 1958 by Explorer 1 instruments led by physicist James Van Allen. They are important for spacecraft design because high radiation can damage electronics and endanger astronauts.

Key Facts

1.Discovered in 1958
2.Found in Earth’s magnetosphere
3.Named after James Van Allen

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"Where Earth traps dangerous space radiation"