In the beginning (after the first three minutes) there was
only hydrogen and helium nuclei, electrons, and photons1,2
all in the form of a hot plasma expanding and cooling. After
380,000 years or so the universe expanded and cooled enough
to allow the electrons to combine with nuclei forming neutral
hydrogen and helium atoms.
The photons (light) were able to escape. As the universe
continues to expand, this light stretches to the longer
wavelengths of microwave radiation that continues to bath the
universe today. We are bathed in the cosmic microwave
background radiation, the afterglow of the big bang.
1Also neutrinos, sound, and gravitational waves.
2There may have been primordial black holes and other entities
making up dark matter.
Image of the Sun showing chaotic activity of the plasma
As the universe continued to expand and cool for another 200
million years or so, authored by gravitation, clumping clouds
of hydrogen and helium became hot enough to initiate and
sustain thermal nuclear fusion, becoming stars.
In the Extreme high-pressure and temperature in the core of
our sun hydrogen is fused into helium in a process referred
to as the proton-proton chain.
The radiation from stars is in the form of:
1. Neutrinos, which pass unimpeded through the sun, through
you and me, and out into the universe at very close to the
speed of light.
2. Electromagnetic radiation -- Our sun radiates in gamma
ray, x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, and
radio waves, but peaks in the visible light range.
3. Streaming charged particles such as electrons and protons
are also considered radiation and are part of the solar wind.
Ionizing Radiation (atoms and molecules)
Einstein - Photoelectric effect PAPER
Earth's Magnetosphere (blocks solar wind)
Earth's Atmospheric attenuation (blocks most ionizing EM) VISUAL
- Big Bang radiation (non-ionizing)
- Close by supernovae (disrupt the atmosphere) -- evidence this has happened
- Cosmic Rays (gamma, electron, muons) Aside C-14 VISUAL
- Where are unstable atomic isotopes created
- Radioactivity (chains) VISUAL
Alpha, Beta-, Beta+, gamma
- Natural Occurring
- Fission Reactor Byproducts
- Created for medical uses
- Nuclear Accidents
- Nuclear Fallout
-Dosage
Normal, Typical
Which elements VISUAL
Medical, Dental procedures
Occupational Hazards
Typical background Radiation
Gamma Scintillator and spectroscopy VIDEO
not to worry.
sam.wormley@icloud.com
