Quote:
Originally Posted by PraedSt
4. Planetary magnetic fields play a very important role. Magnetospheres tend to collect and concentrate whatever radiation is out there. The Earth's magnetosphere, and consequent geo-magnetic storms, raise the risk in the near-earth environment. |
Or, the magnetosphere, lowers risk by providing protection.
It depends on where the astronauts are located. It protects us surface dwellers. It adds protection for the astronauts in the ISS and the low-Earth orbits. It would even at times protect astronauts on the moon (
University of Washington press release: Earth's magnetic field could help protect astronauts working on the moon).