Van Allen belt

Definition

The Van Allen belts are two layers of charged particles surrounding Earth, held in place by its magnetic field. They protect our planet from solar wind and cosmic radiation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Van Allen belts consist of an inner belt primarily composed of protons and an outer belt mainly consisting of electrons.
2. James Van Allen discovered the belts in 1958 using data from the Explorer 1 satellite.
3. They pose radiation hazards to satellites and astronauts, requiring protective measures during space missions.
4. The belts are shaped by Earth's magnetosphere and influenced by solar activity like coronal mass ejections.
5. Similar radiation belts have been detected around other planets with strong magnetic fields, such as Jupiter.

Review Questions

• What are the primary components of the inner and outer Van Allen belts?
• Who discovered the Van Allen belts and when?
• How do the Van Allen belts impact satellites and space missions?

Related terms

Magnetosphere: The region around a planet dominated by its magnetic field, protecting it from solar wind.

Solar Wind: A stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the sun.

Coronal Mass Ejection (CME): A significant release of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona.