In the laboratory, it was noted: "This is a record value for the 21st century."
For comparison, the absolute record was set in the last century and amounted to about 40,000 units. The RAS also added that an S5 level theoretically exists, but such a level of danger has never been reached in the entire modern history of observations.
A radiation storm occurs as a result of a powerful solar flare and plasma ejection, reaching Earth in about an hour and lasting several days. The severity of such phenomena is assessed on a five-level S scale, where values range from S1 (the lowest level) to S5 (extremely high level of danger).
Risks associated with an S4 level radiation storm:
- threat to astronauts in open space;
- possible radiation exposure for passengers and crews of aircraft at high latitudes;
- memory loss, impaired orientation, and reduced efficiency of solar panels on satellites;
- disruptions in high-frequency radio communication in polar regions and increased navigation errors.
