JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Saturday and Sunday, the Earth was blasted by a solar flare and an associated CME (Coronal Mass Ejection).
Thankfully, the Earth is protected from this space radiation by its magnetic field. This interaction with a CME and the magnetic field is the reason we have auroras and the intensity of the one on May 11 is the reason why so many people all over the world seen them.
But 250 miles above earth during rare intense solar storms high energy solar particles may cause crew members aboard the International Space Station to seek shelter in higher shielded compartments aboard the ISS.
According to a NASA spokesperson:
“During recent solar weather activity that measured higher than originally predicted aboard the International Space Station on May 11, the Expedition 71 crew was told to avoid lower shielded areas of the space station out of an abundance of caution. Certain areas provide less protection from radiation, such as the airlock, while other areas, such as crew quarters, provide enhanced protection. The crew was never in any danger, and the energy levels have since decreased.”
The agency works closely with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to forecast these type of events as well as Johnsons Space Center in Houston to help keep crew members safe from the risk of radiation in space. The amount of space radiation a crew member is exposed to is monitored continuously throughout their mission using dosimeters and other tools.
Radiation in space specifically from Solar flares is one of the many challenges of space flight. They can emit high levels of energetic particles, including protons, which can significantly increase the radiation levels in space. Astronauts exposed to these high levels of radiation can face significant health risks.
