EXTRA-ATMOSPHERIC COSMIC RAY DOSAGE DURING THE LARGE SOLAR FLARE OF 23 FEBRUARY 1956

Journal Article · Fri Jan 24 04:00:00 EST 1958 · Science See Saiensu

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.127.3291.186· OSTI ID:4330511

Schaefer, H J

During the solar flare cosmic measurements were carried out on a world- wide scale. Though most of the measurements were made at sea level and mountain altitudes, synoptic evaluation of observations made at different geometric latitudes permits inference to be drawn about extra-atmospheric intensity. This intensity was so large that it seems of interest to investigate what ionization might be encountered if human beings should be caught by a large solar flare in extra-atmospheric flight. The neutron intensity of cosmic radiation at sea level during the flare showed 36 times its normal value 21 minutes after the onset of visible activity on the sum and them returned to normal in about 20 hours. At the same time as the above measurements a balloon reaching 50,000 ft recorded 4times normal total ionization. If a 3000% increase in the total ionization at 80,000 ft is reflected in a 15% increase in neutron intensity at sea level, the increase of ionization at great heights must have been tremendous. The implications of exposure hazards in interplanetary space during a large flare are ominous. (A.C.)

• Research Organization: U.S. Naval School of Aviation Medicine, Pensacola, Fla.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-12-006675
• OSTI ID: 4330511
• Journal Information: Science See Saiensu, Journal Name: Science See Saiensu Vol. Vol: 127; ISSN SIENDS1
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BALLOONS
COSMIC RADIATION
EARTH
IONIZATION
LATITUDE EFFECT
LEVELS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAN
NEUTRONS
PHYSICS
RADIATION DOSES
SEA
SEA LEVEL
SOLAR FLARES
SPACE
SPACE FLIGHT
STRATOSPHERE
SUN
VARIATIONS
ZONES