I assume that we'll somehow solve this one with a 'force' field of some sort in the future. Think about it. The Earth isn't surrounded by lead, but we are still protected from the radiation. I imagine that if we can harness a black hole for propulsion we can somehow use it for power too??? Then we just use some of the power to create a magnetic field that blocks/reflects/deflects the radiation.
> The Earth isn't surrounded by lead, but we are still protected from the radiation.
A thick atmosphere accomplishes roughly the same effect as a few feet of lead. A magnetic field could deflect incoming charged particles, but I'm not sure if a "shield" is feasible, due to any side effects that such a magnet might have.
I was under the impression that the Earth's magnetic field was doing the majority of the work. IIRC, the reason that Mars has no atmosphere is probably due to lack of a (or just a weakened) magnetic field, causing solar winds to strip away the atmosphere.
Comments
I assume that we'll somehow solve this one with a 'force' field of some sort in the future. Think about it. The Earth isn't surrounded by lead, but we are still protected from the radiation. I imagine that if we can harness a black hole for propulsion we can somehow use it for power too??? Then we just use some of the power to create a magnetic field that blocks/reflects/deflects the radiation.
> The Earth isn't surrounded by lead, but we are still protected from the radiation.
A thick atmosphere accomplishes roughly the same effect as a few feet of lead. A magnetic field could deflect incoming charged particles, but I'm not sure if a "shield" is feasible, due to any side effects that such a magnet might have.
I was under the impression that the Earth's magnetic field was doing the majority of the work. IIRC, the reason that Mars has no atmosphere is probably due to lack of a (or just a weakened) magnetic field, causing solar winds to strip away the atmosphere.