On Earth we are protected from most solar radiation by Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field. In space the radiation levels are much higher. On the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts are exposed to as much radiation in one week as someone on earth would receive in a whole year. But radiation affects all living things that go into space – not just astronauts. Seeds that go to the ISS may also be affected by radiation.
Scientists are studying the effects of radiation on astronauts who visit the ISS. We can study the effects of radiation on the ISS as well, using Impatiens seed that visited the ISS in 2011.
Hypothesis
That the Impatiens seeds taken to ISS were exposed to solar radiation while at the ISS, and that this will affect the growth of the seeds.
Possible effects of radiation on the seeds will depend on the dose that they received. These effects include reduced germination rate, reduced growth rate and deformities (mutation).