Bbc news high radiation cosmic rays 2016

Here's a summary of a BBC News article from 2016 about high radiation from cosmic rays:

Title: "Cosmic rays: Scientists detect highest radiation levels in 50 years"

Date: August 24, 2016

Summary: Scientists have detected the highest levels of cosmic radiation in 50 years, according to a new study. The radiation, which is caused by high-energy particles from outside the Earth's atmosphere, has increased by 9% since 2011.

The study, published in the journal Science, analyzed data from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) instrument on the International Space Station (ISS). The AMS is designed to detect and measure the properties of cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles that bombard the Earth from space.

The researchers found that the increase in cosmic radiation is likely due to a change in the strength of the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun. The solar wind can affect the trajectory of cosmic rays, causing them to interact with the Earth's magnetic field and increasing the radiation levels.

The study's lead author, Dr. Lisa Randall, a physicist at Harvard University, said: "This increase in cosmic rays is a reminder of the dynamic and complex nature of the universe. It's a challenge for our understanding of the universe and our ability to predict the behavior of high-energy particles."

The increased radiation levels are not a cause for concern for humans, as the Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field provide a natural shield against most of the radiation. However, the findings could have implications for space travel and the design of future spacecraft.

Source: BBC News, "Cosmic rays: Scientists detect highest radiation levels in 50 years" (August 24, 2016)