The Times of India:
A lighter cover to fight cosmic radiation: Plastic
—June 13, 2013
Lighter materials like plastic can effectively shield astronauts from radiation hazards faced during extended space travel, according to a new analysis of data gathered by Nasa's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).
The finding could help reduce health risks to humans on future missions into deep space, say space scientists from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Read more…
Phys.org:
Moon radiation findings may reduce health risks to astronauts
—June 11, 2013
Space scientists from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) report that data gathered by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) show lighter materials like plastics provide effective shielding against the radiation hazards faced by astronauts during extended space travel. Read more…
Space.com: NASA's Robotic LRO Spacecraft Provides Data for Human Exploration —June 11, 2013
An instrument on LRO, the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation gauged the radiation dose of cosmic rays after passing through a plastic material that simulates how space radiation interacts with human muscle tissue. Recent findings may help scientists validate their understanding of the radiation environment and help engineers develop shielding. Read more…
UNH Magazine: Moon Struck — Fall 2012
The launch of NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2009 was intended to help pave the way for humans to return to the moon, and keep them there safely for a good stretch of time. An extended stay, or the more ambitious notion of putting astronauts on Mars, requires understanding the hazards posed by galactic cosmic rays, solar energetic particles and other radiation. Read more…
redOrbit.com:
New Tool Allows For Real-Time Space Radiation
Forecasts — October 16, 2012
Astrophysicists have created the first online system for predicting and forecasting the radiation environment in near-Earth, lunar, and Martian space environments.
The University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center (SSC) astrophysicists created the near real-time tool...
Regina Leader-Post: Look North Tonight in Sask. for Aurora Boralis — March 8, 2012
Such stormy space weather is unusual in recent history, according to Harlan Spence, an astrophysicist at the University of New Hampshire who is principal investigator on the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissaince Orbiter...
UNH: Astrophysicists Available to Discuss Solar Flare — March 6, 2012
Two scientists from the University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center within the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space are available to discuss the implications of the recent powerful solar flare...
EurekaAlert!: Sun Delivered Curveball of Radiation — Feb. 1, 2012
A potent follow-up solar flare, just days after the Sun launched the biggest CME seen in nearly a decade, delivered a powerful radiation punch to Earth's magnetic field despite the fact that it was aimed away from our planet.
MSNBC.COM: "Space Hurricane" — Jan. 24, 2012
Flights rerouted due to solar storm; radiation strongest since 2003;
chance for re-intensification; addressed by Harlan Spence, CRaTER P.I.
