This is a drawing of the Earth and its radiation belts.
Click on image for full size
The Discovery of the Radiation Belts
In 1957, Russia launched
Sputnik 1, the first spacecraft to ever be launched. Americans wanted to send up a satellite too. They sent up Explorer I.
Even though this was America's first satellite, Explorer I made a huge discovery. Explorer I made measurements that helped Dr. Van Allen discover the radiation belts.
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