Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that carries enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules, meaning it can remove tightly bound electrons from an atom or molecule, resulting in the formation of ions. This type of radiation can be found in space and can pose a significant threat to astronauts and spacecraft. Sources of ionizing radiation in space include solar flares, cosmic rays, and high-energy particles from the sun and other stars. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause damage to living tissue, including DNA damage, which can lead to cancer and other health problems. In astronautical engineering, the effects of ionizing radiation on spacecraft and equipment must be taken into account when designing and planning missions. Shielding materials and other protective measures are used to minimize the effects of ionizing radiation on spacecraft and astronauts.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Ocean: In the context of space and astronautical engineering, the term Ocean refers to the vast bodies of water on Earth that cover more than 70% of the planet's surface. While oceans are not directly related to space exploration, they play a cruc ... Read More >>
- Compartment: In space and astronautical engineering, a compartment refers to an enclosed space within a spacecraft or a space station that is designed to house equipment, experiments, or crew members. Compartments are typically sealed off from the rest ... Read More >>
- Mutations: In space and astronautical engineering, mutations refer to changes that occur in the genetic material of living organisms as a result of exposure to space radiation. Space radiation is composed of high-energy particles that can penetrate th ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06