Table of Contents
- 1 What are cosmic rays and why are they important?
- 2 What do cosmic rays tell us about the universe?
- 3 What protects Earth from cosmic radiation?
- 4 Why is cosmic radiation not a big concern?
- 5 What do galactic cosmic rays have?
- 6 Why do you think galactic cosmic rays can cause so many different types of illness in humans?
What are cosmic rays and why are they important?
The composition of cosmic rays is important because these rays are a direct sample of matter from outside the solar system and contain elements that are much too rare to be seen in spectroscopic lines from other stars. They also provide important information on the chemical evolution of the universe.
What do cosmic rays tell us about the universe?
Cosmic rays provide one of our few direct samples of matter from outside the solar system. They are high energy particles that move through space at nearly the speed of light.
What is the effect of galactic cosmic ray?
Galactic cosmic rays and hazards to human health. For the past few decades studies have been reported on various correlations between geophysical phenomena and human health. Ionizing radiation is known to induce a variety of biological effects viz: cell killing, mutation, chromosome aberration, and carcinogenesis, etc.
What protects Earth from cosmic radiation?
The Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic shield protect us from cosmic radiation. Earth’s magnetic shield protects us from the cosmic radiation and is strongest at the equator and weakest near the poles. Earth’s atmosphere shields us from most of the remaining radiation that travels to Earth.
Why is cosmic radiation not a big concern?
On the surface of the Earth, these types of radiation are not significant health hazards because the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from most of the radiation from space.
How can cosmic rays be prevented?
The most penetrating ionizing radiation (gamma rays and galactic cosmic rays) can pass through aluminum but is stopped by thick and dense material such as cement. In general, the best shields will be able to block a spectrum of radiation.
What do galactic cosmic rays have?
We know today that galactic cosmic rays are atom fragments such as protons (positively charged particles), electrons (negatively charged particles) and atomic nuclei. While we know now they can be created in supernovas, there may be other sources available for cosmic ray creation.
Why do you think galactic cosmic rays can cause so many different types of illness in humans?
Consider: Why do you think galactic cosmic rays can cause so many different types of illness in humans? When high-energy radiation ionizes atoms it often also destroys the molecules those atoms make up, like DNA. The body can repair low levels of this damage but at higher levels there are two possible outcomes: 1.