www.gandul.ro/international/stiinta/bariera-radiat

Recent research indicates that Earth's protective radiation belts, known as the Van Allen belts, may not be as impenetrable as previously thought. A powerful solar storm in May 2024 led to a significant increase in high-energy particles detected within these belts, challenging long-held beliefs about their protective capabilities. The study revealed that under extreme conditions, such as intense geomagnetic storms, energetic electrons can be accelerated and penetrate deeper into the radiation belts. Observations from the Japanese satellite Arase showed a dramatic rise in ultra-relativistic electrons, suggesting that the dynamics of Earth's magnetic environment are more complex than understood before. This discovery has implications for satellite operations and astronaut safety during space missions.