Tiny permanent-magnet shields may trim deep-space radiation dose
Italian and German researchers modeled a ~1.17 m × 1.14 m square array of 1,482 NdFeB magnets (under 300 kg) that, in simulations, deflects about 20% of low-energy solar protons without any power, cooling, or moving parts—hinting that passive magnets could reduce shielding mass. However, such arrays mainly affect low-energy particles, can generate secondary radiation if protons strike the magnets, may demagnetize under radiation, and are ineffective against galactic cosmic rays; they would be one piece of a layered defense alongside mass shielding, storm shelters, and countermeasures. Future work includes more comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations and scaling beyond a 1 m2 prototype.