[Ruatha]

Originally posted by raynfala:

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Originally posted by geoschmo:
You are thinking probably of the general background radiation in space that we are protected from by our atmosphere and the magnetic field of the earth. This is a concern, one that we will have to resolve if we want to do any long-term trips to mars or other planets. But for a trip of a few days to the moon it's just not an issue.

At least not one that we are aware of. There may be some long term health effects of even short term cosmic background radiation, like increased risks of cancer or something. It's hard to tell though because we have such a small sample of astronauts to study and they are in such extrodinary health otherwise. But it's not like being cooked in a microwave oven.

I do recall reading on one of the "moon-hoax-debunking" sites that the astronauts probably were bombarded by this radiation. The astronauts mentioned that, during their moonwalks, they would occasionally see these odd, inexplicable flashes of light. In all likelihood, this was the occasional cosmic ray penetrating their helmet and striking somewhere along the retina or optic nerve.

--Raynfala

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I don't see how that would casue them to see light. Cosmic radiation does not induce synapzic potential if I remember correctly, neither should it excite the receptors in the retina.