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| Earth is Surrounding by two heavy radiation belts |
NASA scientists have discovered two huge radiation belts surrounding the Earth last year. Now, scientists claim that they have discovered a new, persistent structure in one of two radiation belts.
NASA's twin Van Allen Probes spacecraft have shown that high-energy electrons in the inner radiation belt display a persistent pattern that resembles slanted zebra stripes.
The scientists previously believed that these radiation belts were caused by solar wind activity but Van Allen probe revealed that this structure is produced by slow rotation of the Earth.
The radiation belt particle have velocities approaching the speed of light. The finding are reported in the March 20, 2014, issue of Nature.
The discovery itself raises the question on the U.S claims of moon landings as scientists believe that it is not possible for any living thing to cross these radiation belts.