SOARS: Space Weather Effects

Cosmic radiation can be of galactic and solar origins and can affect both avionics and humans. The main component of the radiation is the galactic cosmic ray background - this is modulated by the solar cycle and can be enhanced by solar activity.

The bottom panel of the plot shows neutron flux measured at ground level and is a measure of the cosmic ray flux. Decreases can be caused by the passage of CMEs (so called Forbush Decreases); rises can be caused by solar flares.

If an intense solar flare occurs, the level of radiation can increase. The top two panels show the X-ray flux and proton flux measured by the GOES spacecraft - if these show significant increases there may be enhanced radiation levels.

Current Activity Report, provided by NOAA/SEC

Range 1 (minor) to 5 (extreme)

NOAA Scale	Past 24 hours	Current
Solar Radiation Storms

Note: The Radiation Storm flag does not properly indicate a possible increase in the radiation levels at commercial aircraft altitudes. High energy particle measurements (Protons >100 MeV) are a better indicator of radiation risk to passengers and crew - see the green line on the proton plot (centre panel).

Radiation Dose Service

In May 2000, European legislation (CEC Directive 96/29/Euratom) came into effect that requires European airlines to monitor the exposure of their crewmembers to cosmic radiation. The Directive is implemented at the national level - guidance material provided within the UK is available here.

SOARS is constructing a service that will allow users to calculate the radiation dose they received on their flights. We hope this will be available soon - here you see examples of the input and report pages.