Solar flares #2

Abstract

Solar flares are the biggest explosions in the solar system. This tremendous energy release of a single solar flare represents a significant threat to current terrestrial-and space-based systems. This includes any human occupants of space systems who may be exposed to this hazardous energy and radiation environment. Evidence of the deadly nature of these outbursts, andwhat followed, was clearly demonstrated in1859 in what has become known as the Carrington Event. Evidence of similar events has been found in the geologic record, most notably Greenlandice cores. From this evidence, it appears events of this magnitude occur approximatelyonce every 500 years. Storms with a fifth of this energy are estimated to occur several times every 100 years.The good news is that these storms typically lastbut a few hours. More importantly, wehave the technology to protect ourselves, bothe on Earth andin space.