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Solar storms can measurably raise radiation on high-altitude flights

Solar storms can measurably raise radiation on high-altitude flights

Balloon and aircraft measurements during a major solar event recorded a 42.6% radiation increase on one London–New York flight. The flight did not cross advisory thresholds, and the report says aviation warnings were not issued; this remains an event-specific measurement, not evidence of routine exposure at that level.

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Updated Oct 23, 2026