Space Weather Impact
Solar Radiation
Are energetic particles from the Sun affecting Earth right now?
Current radiation level (NOAA official scale)
S0 — None
Below S1 — no significant radiation storm.
Proton flux (>=10 MeV)
NOAA SWPC
Latest X-ray flare class
NOAA GOES
Proton flux — last 12 hours
What's causing it?
The most recent significant X-ray event was a C2.2 flare. Strong flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are the primary real drivers of solar energetic particle events. See the Solar Flares page for the latest real flare and CME activity.
Who could be affected?
Radiation exposure can affect spacecraft electronics and operations, particularly for satellites in higher orbits with less atmospheric shielding.
High-energy particles can increase radiation exposure at aviation altitudes, particularly on polar routes during significant events.
Higher radiation levels can create increased exposure risks for astronauts and crewed spacecraft, especially outside low Earth orbit's protective magnetic field.
Energetic particles can affect spacecraft systems and instruments, including single-event upsets in onboard electronics.
Official NOAA scale: S-scale classification above uses NOAA's real, standard proton-flux thresholds.
Data source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).