The Van Allen Radiation Belt is a region in space populated with high-energy, electrically-charged particles trapped in earth’s magnetic field. These particles constitute a danger to spacecraft in low..
The Van Allen Radiation Belt is a region in space populated with high-energy, electrically-charged particles trapped in earth’s magnetic field. These particles constitute a danger to spacecraft in low-earth orbit, including the ISS and its crew. Solar storms and high-altitude nuclear explosions can increase the number of particles in the radiation belt by a factor of 100, rendering many important defense and communications satellites inoperable. It is of national security interest to develop a physical understanding of remediation of energetic particles from space. One possible method to achieve this is to use electromagnetic whistler-mode waves. Using data from the Van Allen Probes, we have conducted a preliminary analysis to validate simulations developed by Dr. Anatoly Streltsov which describe the propagation of whistler waves in space. Over the next year, we plan to further validate the models. This poster will present advances in whistler-wave physics which have important applications to future projects of launching whistlers into the radiation belt.
