“AstroNOT” healthy radiation
Written by Danielle Schwartz
As valiant and adventurous astronauts venture into the dark depths of space, the stellar views are not the only extraplanetary components they take in. In fact, research has shown that astronauts experience high doses of radiation when traveling in space. Although astronauts are essential in furthering our knowledge of the universe, their health is put at a great risk since radiation has a multitude of negative effects on the human body.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is planning to send astronauts on missions to Mars in the 2030s But, does the possibility of new space discoveries justify the possible health repercussions the astronauts will potentially face due to space radiation?
Space radiation can have severe effects on human biological systems. According to NASA, the predicted risks of long-term space travel include cancer, damage to the nervous system, hereditary effects, and cataracts. Space radiation can also cause cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. All of the possible health risks of space radiation cannot even be determined since scientists have limited knowledge about space.
Humans on Earth receive small doses of radiation from the sun, but the Earth has a strong global magnetic field that shields humans from most of the radiation. In contrast, Mars does not have a strong magnetic field to shield people from radiation. Radiation is emitted from both the sun and supernovas. As a result, the effects of space radiation on astronauts that are sent to Mars could be very detrimental. Specifically, the NASA model predicts that astronauts have greater than a three percent risk of getting cancer from radiation exposure in space.
Will the potential health risks of radiation stop plans to explore Mars?
References
“New Clues to Predict the Risks Astronauts Will Face from Space Radiation on Long Missions.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 16 Apr. 2020, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200416135857.htm.
Perez, Jason. “Space Radiation (HRP Elements).” NASA, NASA, 7 June 2017, www.nasa.gov/hrp/elements/radiation.
