A random thought occurred to me:
Can we harness the energy from cosmic rays or particles or deadly radiation that's found (in space) just like we do for solar energy?
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$\begingroup$ I think the answer is pretty yes, theoretically - but when you compare the energy density of that to the blowtorch that is solar radiation in space, it's probably not worth the trouble. $\endgroup$– Chris B. BehrensCommented Oct 21, 2019 at 15:46
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It's not practical.
Energy density of cosmic rays: 1.8 eV/cm3, about 10-13 J/m3.
Energy density of the Sun on Earth: 103 J/m3, or 16 orders of magnitude more.
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2$\begingroup$ If the energy density of cosmic rays would be sufficient for energy harvesting, manned space flight would be impossible and semiconductor electronics would be destroyed. $\endgroup$– UweCommented Oct 21, 2019 at 17:35
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$\begingroup$ In the manner of a fresnel lens or parabolic mirror solar concentrator, you might use a giant magnetic field to concentrate cosmic rays (like a Bussard Ramjet collected hydrogen, in Larry Niven's stories). But the power you'd harvest would still be a tiny fraction of the power you'd spend to maintain the field. $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 21, 2019 at 19:45