It’s no surprise that humans influence the surface of our planet,
but our reach can go farther than that. Humans affect space, too.
We know storms from the sun can change the space environment
around Earth, which can have an impact on satellites and power grids.
Scientists now know that Cold War era tests in the 1950s caused similar effects.
Particles around Earth
are organized into layers known as radiation belts.
The tests created temporary extra radiation closer to Earth.
Other effects could be seen all around the world. Aurora appeared at the equator
instead of the poles, utility grids in Hawaii were strained,
and in some cases, satellites above test sites were affected.
Using Cold War history to learn more about the physics of our complex
space environment helps us better protect our satellites and astronauts in space.
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