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Dual origins of light flashes seen in space

Author

Listed:
  • M. Casolino

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • V. Bidoli

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • A. Morselli

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • L. Narici

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • M. P. De Pascale

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • P. Picozza

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • E. Reali

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • R. Sparvoli

    (University of Tor Vergata)

  • G. Mazzenga

    (LNF-INFN, Frascati)

  • M. Ricci

    (LNF-INFN, Frascati)

  • P. Spillantini

    (University of Florence)

  • M. Boezio

    (University of Trieste)

  • V. Bonvicini

    (University of Trieste)

  • A. Vacchi

    (University of Trieste)

  • N. Zampa

    (University of Trieste)

  • G. Castellini

    (IROE of CNR)

  • W. G. Sannita

    (Neurophysiopathology-DISMR, University of Genova
    State University of New York)

  • P. Carlson

    (Royal Institute of Technology)

  • A. Galper

    (Moscow State Engineering Physics Institute)

  • M. Korotkov

    (Moscow State Engineering Physics Institute)

  • A. Popov

    (Moscow State Engineering Physics Institute)

  • N. Vavilov

    (Moscow State Engineering Physics Institute)

  • S. Avdeev

    (Russian Space Corporation Energia Korolev)

  • C. Fuglesang

    (European Astronaut Centre)

Abstract

Light flashes are unusual visual phenomena that are observed in space and are caused by the interaction of energetic cosmic-ray particles with the human visual system. Using data gathered on board the Mir space station during the Sileye-2 experiment1, we show here that there are two separate components of cosmic rays that cause these flashes: one due to heavy nuclei and one due to protons. This indicates that perception by an astronaut's visual apparatus could involve two complementary mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Casolino & V. Bidoli & A. Morselli & L. Narici & M. P. De Pascale & P. Picozza & E. Reali & R. Sparvoli & G. Mazzenga & M. Ricci & P. Spillantini & M. Boezio & V. Bonvicini & A. Vacchi & N. Zampa &, 2003. "Dual origins of light flashes seen in space," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6933), pages 680-680, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:422:y:2003:i:6933:d:10.1038_422680a
    DOI: 10.1038/422680a
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