Radiation environment

Solar Energetic Particles (SEP)

Bursts of high-energy particles accelerated by solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Unlike the steady galactic cosmic rays, SEP events are sudden and can deliver a dangerous radiation dose to astronauts within hours.

Environment & effects

Part of:Cosmic Rays

Affects:Earth The Moon

Monitored by:ACE (Advanced Composition Explorer)

Knowledge connections

Part ofCosmic Rays
AffectsEarth
AffectsThe Moon
Observed byACE (Advanced Composition Explorer)
Associated withSolar Flare
Associated withNOAA S-Scale (Solar Radiation Storms)
Associated withNOAA S-Scale (Solar Radiation Storms)
Associated withRadiation Shielding
Associated withSpace radiation exposure
Associated withSatellites
Associated withAviation
Associated withHuman Spaceflight

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.
NOAA Solar CalculatorNOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory
Public-domain solar-position geometry: sunrise, sunset, solar noon, twilight, declination, and the equation of time.
Public domain (US Government work).

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