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This ongoing radiation storm ranks S2 on NOAA storm scales.

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NOAA Space Weather Scale for Solar Radiation Storms

Category

Effect

Physical measure

Average Frequency
(1 cycle = 11 years)

Scale

Descriptor

Duration of event will influence severity of effects

   

Solar Radiation Storms

Flux level of >= 10 MeV particles (ions)*

Number of events when flux level was met (number of storm days**)

S 5

Extreme

Biological: unavoidable high radiation hazard to astronauts on EVA (extra-vehicular activity); passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to radiation risk.***

Satellite operations: satellites may be rendered useless, memory impacts can cause loss of control, may cause serious noise in image data, star-trackers may be unable to locate sources; permanent damage to solar panels possible.

Other systems: complete blackout of HF (high frequency) communications possible through the polar regions, and position errors make navigation operations extremely difficult.

105

Fewer than 1 per cycle

S 4

Severe

Biological: unavoidable radiation hazard to astronauts on EVA; passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to radiation risk.***

Satellite operations: may experience memory device problems and noise on imaging systems; star-tracker problems may cause orientation problems, and solar panel efficiency can be degraded.

Other systems: blackout of HF radio communications through the polar regions and increased navigation errors over several days are likely.

104

3 per cycle

S 3

Strong

Biological: radiation hazard avoidance recommended for astronauts on EVA; passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to radiation risk.***

Satellite operations: single-event upsets, noise in imaging systems, and slight reduction of efficiency in solar panel are likely.

Other systems: degraded HF radio propagation through the polar regions and navigation position errors likely.

103

10 per cycle

S 2

Moderate

Biological: passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at high latitudes may be exposed to elevated radiation risk.***

Satellite operations: infrequent single-event upsets possible.

Other systems: small effects on HF propagation through the polar regions and navigation at polar cap locations possibly affected.

102

25 per cycle

S 1

Minor

Biological: none.

Satellite operations: none.

Other systems: minor impacts on HF radio in the polar regions.

10

50 per cycle

* Flux levels are 5 minute averages. Flux in particles·s-1·ster-1·cm-2. Based on this measure, but other physical measures are also considered.
** These events can last more than one day.
*** High energy particle measurements (>100 MeV) are a better indicator of radiation risk to passenger and crews. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible.

10 posted on 01/08/2014 4:08:08 PM PST by thackney (life is fragile, handle with prayer)
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To: thackney

“Satellite operations: infrequent single-event upsets possible”

Oh, noes! i might miss the Orpah show or Judge Judy!


21 posted on 01/08/2014 4:37:55 PM PST by dynachrome (Vertrou in God en die Mauser)
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To: thackney

Information!

Detailed, Accurate Information!

Thank you, thank you!

(Best defense against Chicken Little ever!!)


27 posted on 01/08/2014 4:52:53 PM PST by BwanaNdege
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