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Re: (meteorobs) Massive solar flare

Regarding whether it is safe for people/children to go outdoors and all:

Oct 28  1358ut

A category S3 "Strong" solar radiation storm is now in progress but I don't
know if it is intensifying or not.
See the info below as the storm rating goes up another two categories.

Info on radiation storms is at:


http://www.sec.noaadot gov/NOAAscales/#SolarRadiationStorms

***************

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); high radiation exposure to passengers and crew
in commercial jets at high latitudes (approximately 100 chest x-rays) is
possible.

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; elevated
radiation exposure to passengers and crew in commercial jets at high
latitudes (approximately 10 chest x-rays) is possible.

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 commercial jets at high latitudes may receive
low-level radiation exposure (approximately 1 chest x-ray).

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. 

*********

Tom A
 

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