Space, it turns out, is not a very safe place for electronic devices. High-energy space particles can cause serious problems for satellites and electronic equipment, even on the Earth’s surface. These particles usually come from storms on the sun. But there may be a way to protect against dangerous high-energy particles by using a kind of radio wave. The magnetic field around the Earth protects it from the effects of many kinds of high-energy particles. This shield is called the Van Allen belt. It was discovered by the first American satellite, Explorer 1, in 1958. In the years since, scientists have learned the ‘belt’ is really three belts that change in size and shape over time. One kind of radio wave may be able to provide protection against some high-energy particles.