The magnetic nature of the earth, like the personality of some cosmic rock star, attracts followers: radioactive groupies in the form of energetic particles, mainly protons and electrons. Around 4,000 miles above its surface, the earth traps an inner belt of particles (mostly high-energy protons), discovered in 1958 by James Van Allen of the University of Iowa. Additionally, electrons and protons with moderate energies orbit in an outer radiation belt. Some of these electrons hit the upper atmosphere and produce the “Polar lights.”
As with any collection of followers, expect some disruptive forces. Anti-matter, in the form of anti-protons, join the party, too.
The BBC News contained an interesting article on August 7 about anti-matter in orbit. The piece is available at
http://www.bbc. co.uk/news/ mobile/science- environment- 14405122? SThisEM. Earlier this year, the BBC News also published an article about anti-matter streaming from thunderstorms on earth. Go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/science-environment-12158718.
Have an energetic day, or maybe just a peaceful one.
Laurel Anne Hill (Author of “Heroes Arise”)
http://www.laurelannehill.com