Sun and Earth

2000/10/01 Irazabalbeitia, Inaki - kimikaria eta zientzia-dibulgatzaileaElhuyar Fundazioa Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Astronomia

The sun, apart from giving light and making possible the life of our planet, is constantly bombarding us with energetic particles: the solar wind. Solar particles, entering the high atmosphere, produce precious auroras, but may have other harmful effects:

- Solar storms affect the Earth's ionosphere and cause cuts in short-wave radio communications, ship and aircraft navigation systems and radar systems.

- Possibility of surges in long lines of electricity transport, causing service cuts and blackouts.

- It can damage microchips in satellites or cause electric discharges leaving satellites out of service. This can affect communications and TV satellites.

- The level of radiation can pose a risk to astronauts and crews of altitude planes.

- High energy particles affecting the high Earth atmosphere can damage the ozone layer.