Gamma radiation

Atmosphere blocks not only Ultraviolet rays. It completely shields us from alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.

High Altitude Balloon - Altitude profile of Gamma radiation

High Altitude Balloon – Altitude profile of Gamma radiation

Note that on the ground (zero altitude), Geiger counter registered zero Gamma radiation. But as the balloon took off, Gamma radiation increased dramatically, peaking at around 60,000 feet.

For comparison:

  • Flying an airplane exposes passangers to ~3 uSv/hr of ionizing radiation.
  • Background radiation near Chernobyl nuclear plant reads ~6 uSv/hr today