Space & Astronomy

Earth protected by invisible 'force field'

By T.K. Randall
November 28, 2014 ·  46 comments

A mysterious force-field is protecting the planet from electrons. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 NikoLang It might sound like something out of Star Trek, but scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder have revealed the discovery of a natural force-field that exists within the Van Allen radiation belts, two doughnut shaped rings filled with electrons and protons that encircle the planet.

This invisible barrier, which is located around 7,200 miles above the Earth, appears to be preventing the belt's high-energy electrons from reaching the planet's atmosphere."It's almost like theses electrons are running into a glass wall in space," said Professor Daniel Baker. "Somewhat like the shields created by force fields on Star Trek that were used to repel alien weapons, we are seeing an invisible shield blocking these electrons."

Previously it was thought that the gradual interaction with air molecules was responsible for preventing these high-energy particles from reaching us.

"It's an extremely puzzling phenomenon," said Prof. Baker.

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Tags: Force-Field, Earth, Shield