Minor Radiation Storm Alert - Solar Protons Are Raining Down on Earth

Energetic protons from the sun are striking the top of Earth’s atmosphere today following a strong solar flare during the early hours of March 15th. This is called a “radiation storm,” and it is currently a category S1 event. This is causing a polar cap absorption event. Shortwave radio transmissions inside the Arctic Circle are being absorbed by the ionizing effect of the protons. The 10 MeV proton flux is expected to remain elevated during the next 24 hours. The source of the flare was departing sunspot AR3599. The increase in proton flux started shortly after the eruption of the partial halo CME (02:10 UTC on 15 March LASCO C2). Thanks for watching! #Radiationstorm #CME #Solarflare Images credit: NOAA/SWPC, AIA/SDO, SOHO/LASCO C2/C3, nemesis maturity channel Music credit: YouTube Audio Library