Journey to the Planets/Space Odyssey

[parmasson]

I just finished watching a BBC production called "Journey to the Planets" know as "Space Odyssey" in the UK. At one point the crew uses a magnetic field generator to offer some additional protection from the radiation belts around Jupiter. It was a cool special effect with an aurora forming around the part of the ship with the protection. Assuming that you could construct such a device would it protect you from all radiation or would the neutrons still get through?

In the Traveller universe I can see such a thing as effective (hell we can have A.G. so why not) but making you stand out like a sore thumb. Better to just use the nuclear dampers.

 

[The Hinterworlds Rambler]

There is research going on along this line, the "M2P2 Drive" It involves ships that use magnetic feilds. You would definitely find it interesting.

http://www.ess.washington.edu/Space/M2P2/

 

[parmasson]

Great idea but only for a one way ride. Thanks for the link!

 

[The Hinterworlds Rambler]

What, we'er supposed to come back?

 

[Uncle Bob]

EM shields of various designs have been proposed. Here is one that combines maqgnetcs and plasma.
http://lifesci3.arc.nasa.gov/SpaceSettlement/75SummerStudy/4appendD.html

None of these will work against neutrons or photons (X or gamma rays). But nearly all radiation in space (solar wind, cosmic rays, or planetary radiation belts) are charged particles.

BTW, the M2P2 can "tack" against the solar wind to spiral in-system.

 

[Fritz_Brown]

Good thing they won't stop photons. Otherwise you would have a black globe - and, man!, would it be dark in there!

 

[parmasson]

Yes, but did you know that "they" are currently working on one. The design is based on artifacts found on the moon between 1969-1973.