Um, astronauts already have cosmic radiation protection… they face it every time they get into the moon or in earth orbit. Out there in space, its cosmic radiation bath every day, every second. Its called "solar wind" and the only difference is, is that some days, they get a big extra helping (i.e. solar flare eruptions).
Its people on earth that should be concerned.
But lets look into the case regarding flipping magnetic poles. There was this research that (note i cannot recall) there was evidence in the past that the magnetic poles did flip, and the concern was, is that process most likely is "gradual" and there will be a time that there will no magnetic field i.e. in between the flip.
And… in the absence of a magnetic field… sun's radiation would pass through with just the ozone layer to protect us. The primary benefit of the earth's magnetic field, other than navigating ships, is that it deflects majority of the charged particles of the solar wind of the sun. Thats why we get nifty light shows in the sky called "aurora borealis" or northern lights.
What does this tell us? Well, pack up with lots of sun lotion coz these times we'll be experiencing a much nastier burn from the sun than before…
But… also take note that it is *GRADUAL*. Thus when its weakened enough that we start getting sun burns in like 2 min exposure, surely we would have done something. I can imagine stuff like "faraday fences" - installations with faraday cage design on sale on walmart for USD 129.95. Buy now and you get a ultimax solar panel 1000W roofing for just 89.95.
Also on the very unlikely event that it is "Instant" then we don't have to worry about it do we? Its like startrek, "Shields back up on 100% captain".
cammo (guest) 14 Nov 2009 04:18
