The Sun Doesn't Care About Your Flight Schedule

A new study from the University of Surrey's Space Centre reveals that solar storms can expose aircraft to radiation levels up to ten times higher than normal, posing a significant risk to passengers. The research highlights that during extreme solar events, radiation doses can reach levels equivalent to a year of flight-related cosmic radiation in a single journey, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. The study also notes that polar routes, such as London to Vancouver, are most vulnerable due to the weaker shielding provided by Earth's magnetic field. The research proposes a more precise method for identifying and responding to space weather events, which could help pilots make informed decisions about flight planning, rerouting, and grounding aircraft when necessary.

• The study measures radiation levels during solar storms, showing that extreme events can push radiation levels to nearly ten times normal.
• The research suggests that current proton-based alerts are not accurate, as they often overreact to minor events.
• The Surrey team has developed a system calibrated against ground-based neutron monitors, which could provide a clear threshold for flight planning.
• The study notes that during severe geomagnetic storms, radiation can spread southward, increasing risk in regions like the UK.
• The paper emphasizes the importance of a dedicated scale for space weather events, which could help aviation safety in the future.

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