When astronauts travel to the Moon, howdo they pass through the Van Allen radiation?belts unharmed?

 Andy Ventriglia | Niagara Falls, New York

 

 THE SHORT ANSWER IS "QUICKLY." The longer answer is: NASA compiled extensive data from satellites on the distribution and intensity of radiation in theVan Allen belts-regions starting about 400 miles above the Earth's surface filled with highly charged particles from the Sun-and closely monitored forsolar flares that could increase radiation. Calculations based on the protection afforded by spacecraft walls a n d spacesuits convinced engineers that thetotal dosage during rapid transit of the belts would be well within tolerable limits, and the probability of adverse health effects would be acceptably low.

Allan Needell, curator emeritus of space history,

National Air and Space Museum