Earth  ID: 11126

Cosmic Concern

Story by Kayvon Sharghi Released on November 20, 2012
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Space weather presents an unseen danger to air travel.
Flying exposes humans to a number of health risks. But perhaps none is more obscure than the hidden threat posed by cosmic radiation. Particles shed from the sun and by exploding stars in distant galaxies constantly bathe our planet in a nuclear soup of hazardous energy. During unpredictable spurts of extreme solar activity, a surge of particles can penetrate Earth's protective magnetic field and enter the atmosphere, causing radiation levels at cruising altitudes near the poles to skyrocket. In humans, large doses of radiation can damage DNA and harm bodily tissue. To help ensure the safety of airline passengers and crew, a NASA-funded project called NAIRAS (Nowcast of Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation System) has modeled the impact of space weather on radiation levels in the atmosphere with up-to-the-hour accuracy. Now, travelers can tally how much cosmic radiation they can expect to receive on a given flight. Watch the animation to see a virtual tour of air traffic around the world.
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More than 5,000 planes flying polar routes depart the U.S. each year.
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Radiation dose rates increase with altitude and latitude and can vary from hour to hour. Rates for Nov. 14, 2012, 20:00-21:00 GMT are shown above.
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A severe solar storm in 2003 caused a temporary spike in radiation levels near the poles, where protection by Earth's magnetic field is decreased.
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Travelers flying polar routes to Asia or Europe can receive radiation doses that are up to three-times higher than near the equator.
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Solar activity releases streams of energetic particles that, if directed toward Earth, can increase atmospheric radiation levels for hours or days.

For More Information

NASA.gov

Story Credits

Lead Writer:
Kayvon Sharghi (USRA)

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Cover image courtesy of NASA/Steele Hill
Air traffic animation courtesy of John Frassanito & Associates, Inc.
Dose rate visualization and images courtesy of NASA/NAIRAS
Sun image courtesy of NASA/SDO

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/11126

Keywords:
SVS >> App
NASA Science >> Earth