Physicist’s invisible radiation shield may help NASA Technology surged forward when the U.S. government invested heavily in science and engineering in the 1960s to get humans to the moon. Now, 50 years after Neil Armstrong set foot on the lunar surface in July 1969, some of the work in UWM labs has the potential to make space exploration safer and transport space travelers even farther. With private companies now contributing – and shouldering some of the astronomical costs – UWM research could attract the attention of a growing number of interested parties. NASA officials say that landing people on the surface of Mars is an achievable goal. But a major barrier is the lack of an effective way to shield people from dangerous highenergy radiation, which bathes outer space beyond Earth. Lead is one of the few physical materials that could deflect these deadly particles, but it’s too heavy to add to spacecraft. But members of Prasenjit Guptasarma’s lab, together with NASA collaborators, have suggested an alternative. The Earth is shielded by a magnetic field encompassing the planet. Why, then, couldn’t a magnetic field be created to protect people in the space shuttle? Guptasarma, a professor of physics, researches unconventional magnetism and superconductivity in materials. He conducts some of the work with a superconducting magnet – an electromagnet that is wrapped in superconductive wire. Below a certain temperature, there is no electrical resistance in a superconducting wire; an electrical current can flow unrestricted, and a superconducting
coil can conduct electric currents forever, without any outside electrical power source like a battery. So, a superconducting magnet can maintain a magnetic field forever. Guptasarma’s lab has investigated the feasibility of generating a magnetic shield powered by a superconducting magnet. The current would be initiated on Earth and last the entire journey to Mars. There are still lots of questions to answer before the idea could be designed, he said. Could deep-space radiation change the temperature at which superconductive properties appear? Could galactic radiation eventually destroy the magnetic shield itself? To test it further, he will need a high-energy beam of particles that simulates the deep-space cosmic rays. Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York has the right equipment, and Guptasarma is looking for funding. By Laura Otto, University Relations
Laurels and Accolades Liam Callanan’s (English) novel, Paris by the Book, was selected as “best book by an author with a Wisconsin connection” by the Wisconsin Library Association Literary Awards Committee. Paris by the Book will be included on Outstanding Achievement Lists that will be circulated to libraries throughout Wisconsin. https://bit.ly/2YoPgT1 Nan Kim (History) received the 2019 Scott Bill’s Memorial Prize by the Peace History Society for her recent book, “Memory, Reconciliation, and Reunions in South Korea.” Kim will receive $500 and recognition at the organization’s biennial conference at Kent State University in October. Simonetta Konewko (Italian) received a 5,500 euro grant from the Italian Consulate General in Chicago to develop distance learning delivery, or online, courses of Italian 103 and 104.
Nan Kim
UWM’s MS in nonprofit management and leadership is one of nine universities nationwide to receive accreditation from the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council in their inaugural year of offering accreditation. 12 • IN FOCUS • August, 2019
