Säteilyvyöhykkeiden

Säteilyvyöhykkeiden, known in English as radiation belts or Van Allen belts, are regions of energetic charged particles held in place by the Earth's magnetic field. These particles, primarily electrons and protons, originate from solar wind and cosmic rays. The Earth's magnetosphere acts as a shield, trapping these particles within two distinct, donut-shaped belts.

The inner belt, closer to Earth, consists mainly of high-energy protons and electrons. The outer belt contains a greater proportion of electrons and is more variable in shape and intensity, influenced by solar activity. Particles within these belts spiral along magnetic field lines, bouncing between the magnetic poles.

These radiation belts pose a challenge for spacecraft and satellites, as the high-energy particles can damage electronic components and degrade materials. Space missions operating within or passing through these regions must be designed with radiation-hardened electronics and shielding. Understanding the dynamics of the radiation belts is crucial for space weather forecasting, which aims to predict and mitigate the effects of solar events on Earth and space infrastructure. Scientific research continues to explore the complex interactions within these belts and their impact on Earth's atmosphere and near-Earth space environment.