The cosmic radiation incident on the Earth has two sources, Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) and the Sun.  GCR originates from highly energetic astrophysical processes such as supernovae.  The cosmic radiation from the Sun is typically less energetic and originates from solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).  The Earth is shielded to some degree by its magnetic field (the magnetosphere) and also by the atmosphere.  As a consequence, as one moves to higher altitudes, so the radiation dose increases as the amount of atmospheric shielding decreases.

Airlines that currently assess their aircrew exposure to cosmic radiation do so using models.  These models provide an estimate of the dose received during each flight.  Even though these models are able to take limited account of the Suns modulation of the cosmic radiation they are unable to predict the effect of flares or CMEs.  The significance of such solar events on the radiation dose received at aircraft altitudes is not yet understood.   

This study aims to make use of in-fight radiation measurements, together with observations made by solar and space plasma satellites supported under the PPARC programme.  The in-flight measurements are being made using Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counters (TEPCs) that are being flown with Virgin Atlantic Airways.  These data will be analysed to validate the current radiation dose models and to determine the influence of solar events on the radiation experienced at aircraft altitudes.