Effect of solar energetic particle (SEP) events on the radiation exposure levels to aircraft passengers and crew: Case study of 14 July 2000 SEP event

• Published in: Journal of Geophysical Research. A. Space Physics 2004-11, Vol.109 (A11), p.A11103.1-n/a
• Main Authors: Iles, R. H. A., Jones, J. B. L., Taylor, G. C., Blake, J. B., Bentley, R. D., Hunter, R., Harra, L. K., Coates, A. J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: aircrew; cosmic; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; exposure; radiation; solar
• ISSN: 0148-0227; 2156-2202
• DOI: 10.1029/2003JA010343

We investigate the circumstances required for aircrew and passengers to experience an increased radiation exposure rate from a solar energetic particle (SEP) event occurring during a flight. The effects of the 14 July 2000 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration S3 class SEP event are examined using ground‐based and satellite measurements together with coincident measurements made using a tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) on board a Virgin Atlantic Airways flight from London Heathrow to Hong Kong. In this paper we present the first measurements made during a SEP event using a TEPC at flight altitudes. Our results indicate that there were no increased radiation levels detected during the flight due to the SEPs, but the measurements agreed well with the CARI‐6 model calculations made using a heliocentric potential value derived immediately prior to the SEP event. In addition, a prolonged increase in the >85 MeV particle flux is observed for up to 2 days after the SEP onset by the SAMPEX spacecraft at latitudes >55°.