EricW Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 (edited) Real fact - scientists have noticed a substantial rise in cosmic ray flux, caused by weakening of the sun's magnetic field. Just as the Earth has a magnetic field, so does the sun - a gigantic forcefield which protects the inner solar system from cosmic radiation. The weakening of the field means that space is now more deadly for astronauts. Even people in airliners are receiving a higher dose of radiation - enough that the radiation is considered a hazard for pilots and air stewards, for anyone who spends long periods at high altitude. https://spaceweatherarchive.com/2018/03/05/the-worsening-cosmic-ray-situation/ The ray flux is expected to increase even further in coming decades, with a real possibility the sun will enter a new grand minimum, a prolonged period of weakness. Does the Sun's magnetic field protect us from things other than cosmic rays? Will a period of weakness bring new dangers? Could be an interesting basis for a scenario. Edited March 22, 2018 by EricW 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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