The Electric Atmosphere: Plasma (IMAGE) NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Caption Two giant donuts of charged particles called the Van Allen Belts surround Earth. Credit Credit: NASA/T. Benesch, J. Carns Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.