Static electricity in outer space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of static electricity in outer space, particularly in relation to spacecraft. Participants explore the sources of static charge, its implications for spacecraft, and the potential effects on Earth as it moves through space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that spacecraft can accumulate static electricity due to charged particles in space, primarily protons and electrons from solar winds.
  • One participant mentions cosmic rays as another source of charged particles, noting that most cosmic rays consist of protons and helium nuclei, with a small fraction being electrons.
  • There is a question raised about how to calculate the static electric charge that Earth develops as it moves through space, particularly in relation to its proximity to stars.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding the maintenance of ground for spacecraft, especially during docking procedures and when performing repairs on satellites, given the potential accumulation of static charge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that static electricity can accumulate on spacecraft due to charged particles in space, but there are varying perspectives on the specifics of its sources and implications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the calculations of static charge effects on Earth and the management of charge on spacecraft.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed calculations or models for static charge accumulation on Earth and spacecraft, as well as the dependence on definitions of static electricity in the context of space environments.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying space physics, aerospace engineering, or anyone curious about the effects of charged particles in space on spacecraft operations.

JMS61
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Static electricity in outer space? Somewhere I read that a space vehicle traveling in outer space picks up a static electricity charge. Is this true and if it is true, where does that static electric charge come from?
 
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Space, especially near stars, is full of charged particles called Protons and Electrons. These are mostly sent out by the solar winds of the Sun and other stars. They can accumulate on spacecraft and result in an inbalance of charges, which is known as static electricity.
 
Then there's cosmic rays,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_ray
quote:
About 89% of incoming cosmic ray nuclei are simple protons (hydrogen nuclei), 10% are helium nuclei (alpha particles), and 1% of cosmic ray nuclei are those of the heavier elements. These nuclei together make up 99% of cosmic rays, and solitary electrons (much like beta particles, although their ultimate source is unknown) constitute the remaining 1% of the particles that make up galactic cosmic rays. It is unknown why electrons are accelerated less efficiently than atomic nuclei, during galactic cosmic ray production.[1]
/
 
Drakkith said:
Space, especially near stars, is full of charged particles called Protons and Electrons. These are mostly sent out by the solar winds of the Sun and other stars. They can accumulate on spacecraft and result in an inbalance of charges, which is known as static electricity.

How do we figure the static electric charge that our Earth can develop moving through space? Because we do move through space next to a star, how do we calculate the possible effect that this static electric charge is going to have on our planet surface?
 
JMS61 said:
Static electricity in outer space? Somewhere I read that a space vehicle traveling in outer space picks up a static electricity charge. Is this true and if it is true, where does that static electric charge come from?

I've often wondered about this- for example, the space shuttle and space station each pick up a lot of static charge: friction from the atmosphere, etc. How is a ground maintained? That is, when they dock what happens to all the accumulated charge? What about when the shuttle picks up a satellite for repair?

Given all the expensive electronics aboard spacecraft , I know someone has figured this out... nobody I know, tho.
 

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