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Generation of Cherenkov Light Flashes by Cosmic Radiation within the Eyes of the Apollo Astronauts

Abstract

It is proposed that the primary cosmic radiation is responsible for the light flashes observed by astronauts in translunar flight. Cherenkov radiation may be an important or even the dominant mechanism. An alternative mechanism is the direct excitation of the retina by cosmic ray particles.

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FAZIO, G., JELLEY, J. & CHARMAN, W. Generation of Cherenkov Light Flashes by Cosmic Radiation within the Eyes of the Apollo Astronauts. Nature 228, 260–264 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1038/228260a0

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