Cosmic Radiations : will we survive or not!

Cosmic Radiations : will we survive or not!

SCIENCE ARENA   October 19, 2018

Have you ever wondered why there is no life on other planets or humans can't go outside earth without space suit if they are provided with oxygen supply only.  The space suit protect them from cosmic radiations. Here it is..... 

Earth's Magnetic Field 

On earth there is a strong magnetic field which repels the electromagnetic radiations coming from the sun or any object. The Earth's magnetic field is due to the liquid metals present in the core in molten state. 

Advantage for us! 

If human body or any living system is exposed in high electromagnetic radiation they get mutated, even in low field over long time. Earth's magnetic poles repels those fields and don't allow them to expose in our environment. 

What If Earth have no Magnetic field 

According to the astro-science it is believed that if some how the core of any planet is cooled down or destroyed the planet is no more habitable.  And in the case of Earth if it's magnetic field is absent or partially present then we will no longer on Earth. Our DNA is not enough strong to repair it as the rate of mutations start occuring in the presence of electromagnetic radiation. 

Solar Storm 

It is the term used to indicate the electromagnetic radiation coming from sun,  if these radiations coming at higher rates or any eruption occurs at the surface of sun then Solar Storms occur.  Our strong magnetic field repels it at a limited extent depends on the distance. In future if the Resources are not stored then may be these radiations tends to bombard on earth. 

Magnetic eruption from sun to our solar system
Credit: NASA

Radioactive Pollution

Radioactive Pollution

Shivani Kumari   October 13, 2018

According to the physics Radiation the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles which cause ionization. The radiation is not very much fruitful for animals and humans, however modern technology used it in several medical applications. Yes, It is harmful but in higher amount or frequency below a limit it is useful. Here I must say about the electromagnetic waves coming from sun which is reflected back in the universe by earth's magnetic field.

Radiation as a Pollution 

It is highly dangerous when it occurs. It can occur due to nuclear plant malfunctions, improper nuclear waste disposal, accidents, etc. It can cause cancer, infertility, blindness, defects at the time of birth; can sterile soil and affect air and water. Radioactivity is radioactive decay or emission of particles (neuron, proton or heavier particles) from an atom or nucleus. Recently radioactive elements are also used in research and medicine. These pollutants are directly linked to nuclear energy. It contamination also call radiological contamination, is the deposition off or presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids or gases. The most dangerous long-lived radio nuclides are those emitted by nuclear reactors. It’s most popular use in the past has been in wars where it destroyed entire cities in one go; however, today it is widely used as an energy source to fuel electricity. It may be due to electromagnetic radiation, nuclear radiation, or cosmic radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation occurs through X-rays, gamma rays, UV rays visible light, infrared rays and radio waves.

Nuclear radiation pollution occurs when radioactive atoms like uranium, thorium etc. release radiation in the form of alpha and beta particles. Nuclear radiation also occurs when radioactive elements are produced artificially in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators.

Cosmic radiation takes place due to high energy particles invading the earth and its atmosphere from outer space and the sun. Cosmic rays consist of electrons, protons, helium nuclei, hydrogen nuclei, and the nuclei belonging to heavier elements like carbon and oxygen.

      Sources

• Nuclear power plant accidents or leakage
• Improper nuclear waste disposal
• Uranium mining operations

     Effect

• Cancer
• Sterilization
• Birth defect
• Mutations which have greater impact on our physique 

     Remedies

• The protective garments must be worn
• The natural radiation must be at the permissible limits

Thermal Pollution

Thermal Pollution

Shivani Kumari   October 08, 2018

Basically heat is not a contamination you guys are thinking what I am saying Heat as pollution,  well heat is required for everyone living on Earth  because  it is the only mode of transfer of energy, but what if this is increased and make changes to our abiotic components (e.g: Water). 

This over heating is not only caused by Sun, The human activities are involved in the Thermal pollution mostly. 

Heat As Pollution    

Thermal pollution is the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature. Thermal pollution is usually associated with increases of water temperature in a stream, lake or ocean due to the discharge of heated water from industrial processes, such as the generation of electricity. Increase in ambient water temperature also occur in streams where shading vegetation along the banks is removed or where sediments have made the water more turbid. It is due to excess heat in the environment creating unwanted changes over long time periods; due to huge number of industrial plants, deforestation and air pollution. It increases the earth’s, temperature, causing drastic climatic changes and extinction of wildlife.

There are four major causes of thermal pollution: The use of water as a cooling agent, deforestation of shorelines, soil erosion and burning of fossil fuels. The foremost cause being the use of water as cooling agent in nuclear power plants and other industrial facilities. In an aquatic system temperature is an important factor which affects physio-chemical parameters of water quality as well as plant, animal and microbial life considerably. Aquatic life is usually well adjusted to seasonal changes inn temperatures which occur naturally. However, man-made changes in temperature of water often cause adverse changes which damage its utility and productivity.

      Sources

• Urban sprawl
• Power plants
• Air pollution particulates that trap heat
• Deforestation

      Effect

• Decrease in dissolved oxygen levels
• Increase in toxins
• Loss of biodiversity
• Ecological impact
• Affects reproductive systems
• Increases metabolic rate
• Migration

       Remedies

• Plants as many trees as possible
• Cool the water before they put it back in the ocean
• Burn less coal, oil or gas
• Reduce mechanical friction

Effects on Living ones

The aquatic ecosystem is commonly disturbed due to the thermal pollution because when the hot water enters the aquatic ecosystem the oxygen dissolving capacity is reduced and the pH of that system also disturbed. These abiotic conditions are most prominently required to run an ecosystem. 

If this Heated water is transferred on soil the eco-friendly microbes die due to change in environment and soil becomes less fertile.
So comment what type of water in your area!! 

Light Pollution

Light Pollution

Shivani Kumari   October 05, 2018

Sun light is the major source of light on earth, although sunlight also not good for us if it comes to us without passing by ozone. What I am saying is that the sun light contains UV, Infrared and other Magnetic Rays which are harmful to us they are filtered by Ozone layer and our environment to protect us.  But are you sure we are not contaminating our visible light inside our environment,  yes we are! 

Here I am not talking about the harmful light coming from sun, I am discussing about the light which is present on earth and how we are making it uncomfortable for living organisms. 

Pollution of Light 

It occurs due to prominent excess illumination of an area. It is largely visible in big cities, on bill boards, in sports or entertainment events at the night. In residential areas the lives of the inhabitants are greatly affected by this. It also affects the astronomical observations and activities by making the stars almost invisible. Bright lightning in the function, big cities, etc. causes light pollution. Light pollution is also known as photo-pollution, it is the presence of anthropogenic light in the night environment. Light pollution occurs at night and is obtrusive, inappropriate or excessive artificial light. Component of light pollution are: Urban sky glow which is the brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas; Light trespass, when light falls where it is not intended or not to fall, visual discomfort caused by excessive brightness and high levels can decrease visibility; light sources which are bright and excessive. These light sources can be found in  urban areas.

It is the brightening of the night sky and it diminishes the view of stars and planets.

      Sources

• Large cities
• Billboards and advertising
• Night time sporting events and other night time entertainment

     Effects

• Degrade the quality of life
• Discomfort in the eyes

    Remedies

• Work with your neighbours and local government to keep the light on the ground and the skies natural
• Use light emitting diodes (LED)
• Use only the light you need to get the job done

Health Effects of Unwanted light 💡 

Generally the visible light do not have an enormous effects on human health, but when its intensity increases it corrodes the retina of the eye.  Some people feel eye dryness due to using modern smart phones as their eyes are more exposed to the high intensity light over long time. Unfortunately there is no permanent cure for dry eyes.  

The other lights like UV, Infrared, Gama etc.  have negative impact on body and can be seen easily. 

Comment what are you thinking about it.. ..!