Reply #359: There are so many things wrong with this post, factual errors that even a grade school...

[Cleobulus]

child could see, I don't understand how someone can function as an adult and yet also be this ignorant about the world.

First off, the high altitude atomic tests weren't even CLOSE to affecting the Van Allen belts(there are two, you know), and there is absolutely no theory that would make atomic explosions effective in neutralizing them.

As far as the radiation thing is concerned, do you know why dentists assistants go behind a shielded wall when the x-ray occurs yet you only have the lead apron? Because they are, through use of the device, exposed to more radiation in their lifetime than you are, hence you need LESS protection than them. Is this understood?

So, Neil Armstrong was able to survive passage through the Van Allen belts because he passed through them quickly, if he hung around in them, shielding would be needed, because it will kill you, only slowly.

As far as the males vs. females thing, I have no effing clue what you are talking about, also, the effects you are talking about are caused by being in microgravity, NOT exposed to radiation. Women use up less resources(oxygen, etc.), but still suffer muscle and bone loss from prolonged exposure to microgravity.

Oh, and Mir reentered Earth's atmosphere years ago.