Well, I have a question. Is not our magnetic field (a planet or moon, generated magnetic field) required for us to survive? If we leave it, would we not die? And if not, NASA should already be doing test flight simulation away from our planet, and our moon. So that we know what to expect. But they have not, which tells me there's a problem.
14 comments
"Is not our magnetic field (a planet or moon, generated magnetic field) required for us to survive?"
Yes and no. A person doesn't have to constantly be in their planet's magnetic field to survive. The magentic field protects the environment of the planet from damaging radiation from extraterrestrial sources - high amounts of this radiation would cause catastrophic effects that would wipe out life. The modules we use to explore space are not vulnerable to these effects and thus are decent enough protection to replace the magnetic field.
"The magnetic field around the Earth would not so much affect the quality of life so much as an atmosphere with breathable air"
Is that not a catastrophic effect?
Additionally, it would also have an effect on quality of life itself, in the form of cosmic radiation. It is speculated that skin cancer cases will rise significantly during the next "flip" of the magnetic poles, during which the magnetic field will weaken, due to increased exposure to radiation. That would be an impact on quality of life, though undoubtedly less severe than having no more breathable air.
@Novakaine
I am not disagreeing with you at all.
I was more or less commenting on the quote, which still confuses me a little, seeing I fail to understand the link between a test flight simulation into space and the Earth's magnetic field have anything to do with each other...I mean, can't magnetic fields on spacecraft (or be at least made of anti-radiation materials) be created?
I read smartz' comment as "a magnetic field isn't nearly as important as a breathable atmosphere", which is undoubtedly true.
As for Admin3:
"Is not our magnetic field (a planet or moon, generated magnetic field) required for us to survive?"
Yes, it is not.
"If we leave it, would we not die?"
Yes, we would not.
Hope that clears things up for you.
Proof positive, that amoungst the fundies living in the 1950s there's a percentage that have made it to the mid 1970s.
They may find their way to today yet.
Yes and no. The more accurate perspective on the subject would be to say that life on this planet has developed to survive and thrive under the planet's magnetic field. It doesn't mean that the magnetic field is here specifically for the benefit of life. And in space, it doesn't make as much difference because astronauts are protected by their suits and ship materials.
Confused?
So were we! You can find all of this, and more, on Fundies Say the Darndest Things!
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