Severe Solar Storm Underway – ISS Crew Not at Risk

According to the NOAA Space Environment Center: “A severe solar radiation storm began today, 8 November, at 4:50 p.m. MST (2350 UT), and has reached a level of S4 on the NOAA Space Weather Scales. The storm,
which currently ranks as the fourth largest since 1976, is expected to peak over the course of the next several hours and then slowly diminish over the next three to four days. This severe radiation storm could pose a hazard to the astronauts on the International Space Station as well as passengers on commercial airlines flying at high latitudes. The storm could also adversely effect the operation of satellites.”

NASA’s SOHO website has refined the risk to the ISS crew further by saying: “This radiation storm may fade or black out all HF radio communication at high latitudes. Some earth-orbiting satellites are likely to experience electronic glitches. Astronauts on the International Space Station are safe inside the capsules but extravehicular activities will probably not be allowed while the storm is in progress. “

Related links

° SOHO Coverage, NASA

° NOAA SEC Bulletin

° NOAA/USAF Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 8 Nov 2000

° Solar Terrestrial Interactions, SpaceRef Directory