In the laboratory, they noted: "This is a record value for the 21st century."
For comparison, the absolute record of the last century is about 40,000 units. According to RAS specialists, the S5 level exists only in theory and has not yet been recorded during observations.
A cosmic radiation storm occurs as a result of powerful flares and plasma ejections from the Sun and reaches Earth in about an hour, lasting several days. A five-level S scale is used to assess its danger, where values range from S1 (the lowest) to S5 (extremely high level).
Risks associated with an S4 level radiation storm:
- threat to astronauts in open space;
- possible radiation exposure for passengers and crews on board aircraft flying at high altitudes;
- decreased efficiency and memory issues for solar panels on satellites;
- failures in high-frequency radio communication in polar regions and increased navigation errors.
