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Cosmic radiation

A source of natural background radiation, which originates in outer space and is composed of penetrating ionizing radiation (both particulate and electromagnetic). The sun and stars send a constant stream of cosmic radiation to Earth, much like a steady drizzle of rain. Differences in elevation, atmospheric conditions, and the Earth's magnetic field can change the amount (or dose) of cosmic radiation that we receive. Secondary cosmic rays, formed by interactions in the Earth's atmosphere, account for about 45 to 50 millirem of the 360 millirem of background radiation that an average individual receives in a year. For related information, see Natural Background Sources.

Cosmic Radiation

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021