Van Allen Radiation Belt Educational Model

This model is a to-scale, modular, tactile, & open-source educational model of the Van Allen radiation belts (VARBs). The belts are scaled accurately relative to Earth, and the base model can be printed in three different states -- Quiet, 3-Belt, and Normal -- to show how the VARBs actually vary. Two modules are also included. The first is a module that attaches magnetically onto an open face of the base model to show either the Quiet or 3-belt configuration. The second is a gyroscopic particle motion module depicting how a charged particle spirals along the magnetic field lines (cyclotron motion). The VARBs are a difficult phenomenon to teach and an even harder one to learn. This model is designed as an exploratory teaching aid to flatten that learning curve.

Also included is a manual I wrote for anyone looking to print, modify, or add to the model. Included are six sections covering About, Parts, Printing, Construction, Notes, and Community Notes. Have a suggestion, fix, or addition? Drop it as a comment and I'll add it to the Community Notes section myself. I'd love for this to grow with input from other educators, makers, and learners.

I made this model open-source so that any educator can make, modify, and share it freely. My goal is to improve the accessibility of space physics education, so I want anyone to be able to use this without restriction. I chose a CC BY-SA license so the model stays open-source no matter who remixes it.

I printed the version pictured on a Bambu P1P without an AMS -- the manual covers how to multi-color print without one. The only non-printed parts needed are magnets, also detailed in the manual.

Questions about the model, filaments, requirements, or printing? Check the manual first, then feel free to ask here.

Link to the Manual:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Be895-GKcns_9bjx9dDJq8mXJMLTSgOcMzWGPB0jUY8/edit?usp=sharing