CHARACTERIZING THE VARIATION IN ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION AT AVIATION ALTITUDES

Abstract

For astronauts and travelers in aircraft, space weather can quickly increase dose rates resulting from naturally occurring ionizing radiation by more than a 1000-fold. Historically, monitoring of these events has been done primarily by a combination of ground-based and satellite instrumentation. At best, these data sources provide a local (ground-level monitors) or global (satellite) average picture of an event as it evolves. With considerable modeling effort, a better global picture of an event emerges after the event has passed. For aviation users this is inadequate. Real-time local estimates on flight routes are preferred to enable appropriate responses from pilots and air traffic management. Modeling and measurement programs are described, and a new aviation dose index is discussed to provide examples of systems that are in development or that have been recently adopted for addressing problems with the current monitoring, warning, and evaluation methods.