Introduction to Cosmic Radiation
Cosmic radiation is a phenomenon that affects not only spaceships but also air travel. In a recent incident, 15 people were hospitalized after a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark plummeted thousands of feet due to cosmic radiation. This incident highlights the potential threat that cosmic radiation poses to air travel.
The Cause of the Incident
According to Casey Dreier, director of space policy at the Planetary Society, the JetBlue flight was hit by a stream of high-energy particles from a distant supernova explosion. This caused a "bit flip" that corrupted the data in the flight computer and triggered a sudden loss of altitude. The pilots regained control and made an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida, but about 20 passengers suffered serious injuries, including bleeding head wounds.
The Risks of Cosmic Radiation
Cosmic radiation is everywhere and constantly bombards the Earth. However, the risks associated with it are not common during air travel due to the protection provided by the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. Nevertheless, the likelihood of someone hitting a critical circuit at exactly the wrong moment is very small. The risk is higher when the sun is active due to strong particle eruptions from solar flares.
Solar Storms: A Bigger Threat
Solar storms pose a bigger threat than interstellar particle impacts. They can disrupt GPS, affect radio communications, and even torpedo the power grid. In May, a massive solar storm destroyed the daylight side of the planet, causing global power outages and the loss of radio signals across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Protecting Ourselves from Cosmic Radiation
Protecting ourselves from cosmic radiation is not an easy task. There are both hardware and software improvements that can be made, particularly in error correction algorithms and perhaps even through the use of better radiation shielding for sensitive electronics. However, this is expensive, and the relative rarity of these events may limit the effort and resources devoted to addressing this problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cosmic radiation and solar storms pose a significant threat to air travel and our daily lives. While the risks are relatively small, it is essential to take steps to protect ourselves from these threats. By investing in hardware and software improvements, we can reduce the likelihood of these events and minimize their impact.
