What is a space radiation storm?
A space radiation storm often happens with major eruptions on the sun when protons fly away with the speed of light. When these particles reach Earth it can cause severe damage to satellites and astronauts.
The different types of space radiation storms
When storm level is reached it could happen that astronauts have to be evacuated and that satellites must be placed in a lower orbit. We can define the following space radiation storm classes:
- S1 = 101 = Calm
- S2 = 102 = Moderate space radiation storm
- S3 = 103 = Strong space radiation storm
- S4 = 104 = Severe space radiation storm
- S5 = 105 = Extreme space radiation storm
To give you a good example what happens to satellites, the following images gives you an idea. An extreme space radiation storm catches the SOHO satellite. The protons crash into the sensor and cause the noise in the image.
