In the laboratory, it was noted that this value has become a record for the 21st century.
For comparison, the absolute record of the last century was about 40,000 units. RAN added that the S5 level exists only theoretically and has not yet been reached during modern observations.
The cause of the cosmic radiation storm is a powerful solar flare accompanied by a plasma ejection. This process reaches Earth in about an hour and can last several days. A five-level S scale is used to assess its intensity, where S1 denotes the minimum level and S5 the maximum.
An S4 level radiation storm can lead to the following consequences:
- a threat to astronauts in open space;
- the risk of radiation exposure for passengers and crews of aircraft at high altitudes;
- possible issues with the memory and functionality of solar panels on satellites;
- disruptions in radio communication in polar regions and increased navigation errors.
