Solar Storm Radiation Dose

Forecast relative radiation dose when photographing auroras, eclipses, or high-latitude flares. Input the geomagnetic Kp index, planned exposure duration, current 10.7 cm solar radio flux, and your shielding effectiveness to estimate incremental micro-sieverts above background levels.

Planetary Kp index for the observation window (0 quiet – 9 extreme).
Minutes spent outdoors under elevated solar activity.
10.7 cm solar radio flux index (typically 70–200 sfu).
Estimated percentage of radiation blocked by shelter, vehicle, or protective gear.

Examples

  • Kp 6 storm, 90-minute exposure, 160 sfu flux, 40% shielding ⇒ 58.32 µSv incremental dose
  • Kp 4 aurora watch, 45-minute exposure, 120 sfu flux, 20% shielding ⇒ 25.20 µSv incremental dose

FAQ

Does the dose include cosmic background radiation?

No. It estimates incremental exposure tied to heightened solar activity only, assuming background radiation is tracked separately.

How do I pick a shielding value?

Use manufacturer data or published reduction factors for observatory domes, vehicle cabins, or storm shelters to estimate the percentage blocked.

Is this suitable for mission planning?

Treat the output as an educational comparison. Mission-critical planning should rely on agencies such as NOAA SWPC or ESA space weather forecasts.

What if my session spans multiple Kp readings?

Run the calculator with the highest expected Kp index for a conservative estimate, or break the session into segments and sum the doses.

Additional Information

  • The formula scales Kp-driven geomagnetic disturbance and solar radio flux to approximate extra micro-sieverts beyond normal cosmic background.
  • For safety context, compare the result with occupational guidelines (for example, many agencies cap public exposure at 1000 µSv per year) and keep your session well within safe limits.
  • Cross-link: explore additional astrophysics tools like the Radiocarbon Dating and Escape Velocity calculators to connect radiation science with broader space physics topics.

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