Solar radiation storm
Magnetic activity on the surface of the sun can trigger huge eruptions and explosions. These phenomena release intense gamma, X-ray and ultraviolet radiation, and can accelerate charged solar particles to very high energies. When these rays reach the Earth, we call it a solar storm.
A solar storm can have an impact on:
- Space services, such as satellites
- Radio communications
- Radiation levels at aircraft altitude
- The supply of electricity
- Digital infrastructure, such as submarine cables
A solar storm is only dangerous if the Earth is within its impact zone. Northern regions are more sensitive (e.g. Canada and Scandinavia).
Risks and causes
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What can you do?
A solar storm can entail a number of risks. Find out more:
- Failure of space services
- Electricity failure
- Failure of digital infrastructure
- Failure of air transport
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe a considerable solar storm. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- A solar storm lasts at least two days.
- The NOAA Space Weather Scale determines the severity of the storm, with scores ranging from 1 (Minor) to 5 (Extreme) for three types of event. The solar storm obtains a score of at least
- 3 on the R scale (Radio blackout scale). This describes the impact on navigation signals and radio communications.
- Or 3 on the S scale (Solar radiation storm scale). This describes the radiation risk to people and electronic circuits (e.g. satellites) and the impact on high-frequency radio communications.
- Or 3 on the G scale (Geomagnetic storm scale). This describes the impact on energy systems, space operations and other systems (e.g. satellite navigation).
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Strong
Human impact
Very weak
Societal impact
Weak
Environmental impact
No impact
Financial impact
Weak
What do the authorities do?
The Royal Observatory of Belgium and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy work together to study space weather : 
- They publish daily reports and alerts in the event of increased solar activity, for example.
- They carry out satellite measurements in space to better understand the mechanisms behind space weather.
- They develop models and databases to understand, assess and predict the effects on technological systems.
These activities are part of a large-scale programme run by the European Space Agency (ESA), which offers a wide range of space weather services, in particular for civil aviation.
Find out more about space weather services.