Cosmic radiation | Earth, Solar System and Universe.
All the visible objects in the Cosmos, from the planets to the Superclusters of galaxies, emit some sort of radiation. This radiation is energy that travels through space. The light we see is a small part of that filing, which our eyes can perceive. There are (i.e. known) two types of cosmic radiation: the electromagnetic radiation and cosmic rays.
It is the energy emitted by celestial bodies and travels through space in the form of waves. It moves at the speed of light. Electromagnetic radiation is, along with the matter, the other major component of the Cosmos. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves (heat), visible light, ultraviolet rays, x-rays and gamma rays.
Our atmosphere protects US from the electromagnetic radiation of high energy: gamma rays, rays X and part of the ultraviolet rays. If not, life on earth would not be possible.
Corpuscular radiation or cosmic rays are not waves but charged particles of energy, such as neutrinos. Stars emit showers of particles that pass through the area at high speed. Cosmic rays carry the burden of higher energy that is known in the universe.
Our Sun emit cosmic rays that reach the Earth. The Earth's magnetic field diverts most. But they are so powerful that a fraction manages to enter the atmosphere and go through it. Sometimes, the charged particles pass to the upper layers of the atmosphere by the Poles, and form auroras.
Translation for educational purposes authorized by: AstronomÃa: Tierra, Sistema Solar y Universo
Electromagnetic radiation
It is the energy emitted by celestial bodies and travels through space in the form of waves. It moves at the speed of light. Electromagnetic radiation is, along with the matter, the other major component of the Cosmos. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves (heat), visible light, ultraviolet rays, x-rays and gamma rays.
Our atmosphere protects US from the electromagnetic radiation of high energy: gamma rays, rays X and part of the ultraviolet rays. If not, life on earth would not be possible.
Cosmic rays
Corpuscular radiation or cosmic rays are not waves but charged particles of energy, such as neutrinos. Stars emit showers of particles that pass through the area at high speed. Cosmic rays carry the burden of higher energy that is known in the universe.
Our Sun emit cosmic rays that reach the Earth. The Earth's magnetic field diverts most. But they are so powerful that a fraction manages to enter the atmosphere and go through it. Sometimes, the charged particles pass to the upper layers of the atmosphere by the Poles, and form auroras.
Translation for educational purposes authorized by: AstronomÃa: Tierra, Sistema Solar y Universo