Effect of solar energetic particle (SEP) events on the radiation exposure levels to aircraft passengers and crew: Case study of 14 July 2000 SEP event
Abstract
We investigate the circumstances required for aircrew and passengers to experience an increased radiation exposure rate from a solar energetic particle (SEP) event occurring during a flight. The effects of the 14 July 2000 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration S3 class SEP event are examined using ground-based and satellite measurements together with coincident measurements made using a tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) on board a Virgin Atlantic Airways flight from London Heathrow to Hong Kong. In this paper we present the first measurements made during a SEP event using a TEPC at flight altitudes. Our results indicate that there were no increased radiation levels detected during the flight due to the SEPs, but the measurements agreed well with the CARI-6 model calculations made using a heliocentric potential value derived immediately prior to the SEP event. In addition, a prolonged increase in the >85 MeV particle flux is observed for up to 2 days after the SEP onset by the SAMPEX spacecraft at latitudes >55°.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics)
- Pub Date:
- November 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2003JA010343
- Bibcode:
- 2004JGRA..10911103I
- Keywords:
-
- Interplanetary Physics: Cosmic rays;
- Interplanetary Physics: Energetic particles;
- solar;
- Solar Physics;
- Astrophysics;
- and Astronomy: Energetic particles (2114);
- and Astronomy: Flares;
- Public Issues: Workforce;
- radiation;
- cosmic;
- aircrew;
- exposure