About the Image: From "Foundations of Solar Particle Event Risk Management Strategies", Findings of the Risk Management Workshop on Solar Particle Events, April 1996. Image provided courtesy of Ron Turner, ANSER |
The construction of the space station occurs during the maximum phase of the solar cycle putting the astronauts at increased risk of exposure to a major solar particle event. The astronauts are particularly vulnerable during extravehicular activity during which they are exposed relatively directly to the space radiation. Rapid warning of the impending arrival of dangerous solar particle events is required so that the astronauts may take cover within the spacecraft walls. |