Next data collection period April 22-29
The final data collection period will be June 4-11
Project Overview
How does neutron radiation affect people on Earth and on the International Space Station?
As astronauts plan to go beyond Earth orbit to the Moon, to Mars, or an asteroid, they will be exposed to dangerous amounts of cosmic radiation. Until we can protect astronauts from radiation, we cannot send astronauts into deep space safely. Canadian scientists and astronauts are doing research to better understand the impact of that radiation on astronaut health.
One of the experiments that CSA astronaut David Saint-Jacques will be responsible for during ISS Expedition 58/59 is RaDI-N2, which will measure astronauts' exposure to potentially dangerous neutron radiation in preparation for manned deep-space missions. He will be continuing research done on the ISS by CSA astronauts Robert Thirsk and Chris Hadfield, using bubble detectors manufactured by Bubble Technology Industries, based in Chalk River, Ontario, to measure neutron radiation on board the ISS.
Let’s Talk Science is excited to be able to offer this exciting Action Project in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. RADI-N2 & You gives educators and students an opportunity to monitor neutron radiation levels in their classroom and compare their results to those of other classrooms across Canada and also with David Saint-Jacques on board the International Space Station, who will be sharing the data he gathers with the participating classrooms.
Participating students and educators will:
- Study neutron radiation, its presence in our environment, and its effects on the human body;
- Investigate the sources of neutron radiation, how it interacts with matter, and its potential impact on human space travel;
- Collect and analyze data using a bubble detector provided by Let’s Talk Science and compare it with information from other participating classrooms as well as from the ISS during David Saint-Jacques' mission;
- Develop critical thinking and data analysis skills!