The potentially devastating consequences of radiation on humans and
spacecraft were examined in this chapter. Radiation was defined and explained. The
deadly nature of gamma rays and cosmic rays was discussed. Solar particles were
considered. The significant amount of radiation was discussed. M dwarf stars were
considered as were solar flares. Energetic transient radiation events were discussed. The
emerging concept of muons was recognized.
Keywords: Alpha particles, Beppo/SAX satellite, Compton Gamma Ray
Observatory Satellite, coronal mass ejections, cosmic rays, energetic transient
radiation events, gamma rays, GLAST burst monitor, hypernova, Keck telescope,
M dwarf stars, muons, passive shielding, photons, quantum, radiation, solar flares,
solar particles, subatomic particles, Van Allen Belt.
