Solar particle event

Post-eruptive loops in the wake of a solar flare, image taken by the TRACE satellite (photo by NASA)

In solar physics, a solar particle event (SPE), also known as a solar energetic particle event or solar radiation storm,[a][1] is a solar phenomenon which occurs when particles emitted by the Sun, mostly protons, become accelerated either in the Sun's atmosphere during a solar flare or in interplanetary space by a coronal mass ejection shock. Other nuclei such as helium and HZE ions may also be accelerated during the event. These particles can penetrate the Earth's magnetic field and cause partial ionization of the ionosphere. Energetic protons are a significant radiation hazard to spacecraft and astronauts.


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  1. ^ Jiggens, P.; Clavie, C.; Evans, H.; O'Brien, T. P.; Witasse, O.; Mishev, A. L.; Nieminen, P.; Daly, E.; Kalegaev, V.; Vlasova, N.; Borisov, S.; Benck, S.; Poivey, C.; Cyamukungu, M.; Mazur, J.; Heynderickx, D.; Sandberg, I.; Berger, T.; Usoskin, I. G.; Paassilta, M.; Vainio, R.; Straube, U.; Müller, D.; Sánchez-Cano, B.; Hassler, D.; Praks, J.; Niemelä, P.; Leppinen, H.; Punkkinen, A.; Aminalragia-Giamini, S.; Nagatsuma, T. (January 2019). "In Situ Data and Effect Correlation During September 2017 Solar Particle Event". Space Weather. 17 (1): 99–117. Bibcode:2019SpWea..17...99J. doi:10.1029/2018SW001936. S2CID 126398974.