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Van Allen belt

noun
Van Al·​len belt | \ van-ˈa-lən- \

Definition of Van Allen belt

: a belt of intense radiation in the magnetosphere composed of energetic charged particles trapped by the earth's magnetic field also : a similar belt surrounding another planet

First Known Use of Van Allen belt

1958, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Van Allen belt

after James A. van allen, credited with discovery of the belt

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The first known use of Van Allen belt was in 1958

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