Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Prediction Of Flight-Level Radiation Hazards Due To Solar Energetic Protons, Matthew P. Sattler

Theses and Dissertations

The radiation environment at aircraft altitudes is caused primarily by high-energy particles originating from outside the near-earth environment. These particles generally come from outside our solar system and are called galactic cosmic rays. Occasionally however, a transient solar event will also accelerate energetic protons toward the earth. If these protons reach the upper atmosphere, they produce secondary particles via collisions, resulting in increased radiation levels in the atmosphere. Air crews and electronic systems flying at high altitudes during one of these events are subjected to these increased levels of radiation which can result in health problems for personnel and soft …