
Physics World Weekly Podcast
Space travel: the health effects of space radiation and building a lunar GPS
Nov 14, 2024
James Welsh, a radiation oncologist and author, discusses the biological impacts of space radiation on astronauts, revealing surprising resilience in human bodies compared to sensitive spacecraft electronics. He stresses that electronic failure may limit space missions more than health issues. Physicists Biju Patla and Neil Ashby present their innovative approach to establishing a lunar time system using atomic clocks, aiming to facilitate navigation and coordination on the Moon, with aspirations for a similar system on Mars.
53:53
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Space radiation presents significant health risks to astronauts, particularly from cosmic rays and solar radiation, necessitating further research and protective measures.
- A universal lunar time system, leveraging atomic clocks, could greatly enhance navigation and coordination for future Moon missions and serve as a prototype for Mars.
Deep dives
The Biological Impact of Space Radiation
Exposure to space radiation poses significant risks to astronauts on missions beyond Earth. Cosmic rays and solar radiation can have harmful biological effects, potentially leading to acute radiation syndrome at high doses. On Earth, our atmosphere and geomagnetic field provide protection, allowing only minimal radiation exposure. However, in space, astronauts face much higher radiation levels, especially during solar particle events, making the study of radiation effects crucial for safe long-duration missions.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.