What was studied to understand the sun's protection against x-rays and gamma rays?

The Orbiting Solar Observatory, which was launched in the 1960s, played a crucial role in studying solar radiation, including x-rays and gamma rays. This observatory was specifically designed to observe the sun and its effects on the Earth's atmosphere and space environment, thus providing valuable data on the sun's radiation, including its ability to shield the planet from harmful high-energy particles.

Data from the Orbiting Solar Observatory contributed significantly to our understanding of solar activity and its influence on space weather, most notably how it affects the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. This information is vital for assessing how various forms of solar radiation interact with the Earth's protective layers.

In contrast, while the Hubble Space Telescope focuses on astronomical observations outside the Earth's atmosphere, its primary purpose is not solar studies. The International Space Station supports various research initiatives but does not primarily serve as a dedicated observatory for solar radiation. The Solar Dynamics Observatory, although modern and focused on solar phenomena, comes after the significant contributions of the Orbiting Solar Observatory, which laid the groundwork in this field. Thus, the Orbiting Solar Observatory is key to understanding the sun’s protective mechanisms against x-rays and gamma rays.