Terrestrial life is dependent on radiant energy from the sun. Solar radiation is largely optical radiation [radiant energy within a broad region of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes ultraviolet (UV), visible (light) and infrared radiation], although both shorter wavelength (ionizing) and longer wavelength (microwaves and radiofrequency) radiation is present. The wavelength of UV radiat...

We are pleased to bring this Symposium-in-Print on Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Terrestrial Ecosystems to the readers of Photochemistry and Photobiology. Six of the 10 articles contained in this Symposium-in-Print are based on invited presentations given at the symposium on ‘‘Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Terrestrial Ecosystems,’’ held during the American Society for Photobiology (...

[1] The Moon spends 25% of its orbit within the terrestrial magnetosphere. The magnetic field from the terrestrial magnetosphere can potentially provide radiation shielding from solar energetic particle events and lower energy galactic cosmic rays, which can be a significant hazard during extra-vehicle activities or during human exploration of the lunar surface. The level of shielding provided ...

Recent studies suggest that ultraviolet-B radiation, a major component of global climate change, can affect the community structure, biomass and functioning of terrestrial microorganisms. In this report, these studies are reviewed and gaps in our understanding highlighted so that future research can provide more conclusive evidence on the mechanisms and wider ecological implications of the impa...

The world is naturally radioactive and approximately 82% of human-absorbed radiation doses, which are out of control, arise from natural sources such as cosmic, terrestrial, and exposure from inhalation or intake radiation sources. In recent years, several international studies have been carried out, which have reported different values regarding the effect of background radiation on human heal...

Introduction Radioactive materials naturally exist in the world. Indeed, approximately 82% of human-absorbed radiation doses, which are out of human control, arise from natural sources of radiation including cosmic, terrestrial, and exposure through inhalation or ingestion. Thus, the aim of the present study was to estimate health risk, as well as the effective and organ doses from naturally oc...