Effect of “Noisy” sun conditions on aircrew radiation exposure

• Published in: Advances in space research Vol. 44; no. 2; pp. 184 - 189
• Main Authors: Lewis, B.J., Green, A.R., Bennett, L.G.I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 15.07.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aircrew radiation exposure; Astronomy; Cosmic radiation; Cutoff rigidity; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Noisy sun conditions; Solar particle event; Noisy sun conditions; Cutoff rigidity; Aircrew radiation exposure; Cosmic radiation; Solar particle event; Storm activity; Field line; Geomagnetic field; Galactic cosmic rays; Quiet sun; Space research; Solar activity; Storms; Solar particles; Models
• ISSN: 0273-1177; 1879-1948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2009.04.005

In computer codes used to estimate the aircrew radiation exposure from galactic cosmic radiation, a quiet sun model is usually assumed. A revised computer code (PCAIRE ver. 8.0f) is used to calculate the impact of noisy sun conditions on aircrew radiation exposure. The revised code incorporates the effect of solar storm activity, which can perturb the geomagnetic field lines, altering cutoff rigidities and hence the shielding capability of the Earth’s magnetic field. The effect of typical solar storm conditions on aircrew radiation exposure is shown to be minimal justifying the usual assumptions.