Free Astronomy Magazine September-October 2019

40 ASTRONAUTICS Research on space radiation has expanded rapidly in recent years, but many uncertainties remain in predicting the biological responses of hu- mans to radiation exposure. Future manned space missions will travel far beyond low Earth orbit and away from the protection of the Earth’s mag- netosphere, where astronauts will be exposed for long periods to levels of radiation never before experienced. What are the risks to their health? Space radiation − a deadly obstacle by Michele Ferrara revised by Damian G. Allis NASA Solar System Ambassador SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019