Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Katie, Rosie, Matt

Radiation Forms of radiation that are reduced by the atmosphere: Forms of radiation that are reduced by the atmosphere: UltravioletUltraviolet Cosmic RaysCosmic Rays

Cosmic Rays Cosmic Rays are a form of radiation and come from some of the most violent objects in the universe: SupernovaSupernova NeutronNeutron StarStar Black holeBlack hole These rays were first discovered by Victor Hess in 1912 by flying hot air balloons to altitudes of 5km he found the air was much more ionised higher in the atmosphere.

Solar Wind The Earth’s magnetic field can also protect us from radiation from space. Streams of charged particles evaporate from the surface of the sun in all directions, this is called solar wind.

Protection from Solar wind The solar winds head towards earth at around 400km/second. It would erode the atmosphere but the earths magnetic field deflects most of the Solar wind away from the planet.

What are the Northern Lights? Some solar wind is channelled to the north and south poles, where they ionise the air and create the northern and southern lights. Some solar wind is channelled to the north and south poles, where they ionise the air and create the northern and southern lights.

Deflecting alpha and beta particles. Beams of alpha and beta particles can be deflected because they have opposite charges, so they deflect in opposite directions. Alpha particles have twice the charge of beta particles.

Gamma Rays Gamma rays will not be deflected as they have no mass.

Mars Mars has a very thin magnetic field, making it very hard to live on.