What is the source of radiation in the atmosphere – and why is it important;

Cosmic radiation is an ionizing radiation produced when gamma ray photons, alpha particles and other particles from outside the solar system interact with components of the earth’s atmosphere. A second source of cosmic radiation is the release of charged particles from the sun (solar wind).

 

The amount of cosmic radiation that reaches the earth from the sun and outer space varies. Its energy is effectively absorbed by the atmosphere and the solar wind is also affected by the earth’s magnetic field.

 

Cosmic radiation may be measured directly using sophisticated instruments, as was done routinely in the Concorde supersonic plane.

 

Cosmic radiation is of no significance at altitudes <25,000 feet (7500 m) because of the attenuating properties of the earth’s atmosphere.

 

Cosmic ray effects in microelectronics are presently of major concern in satellite technology, beginning to present problems in digital avionics, particularly high-flying aircraft.

 

The cosmic ray effect is the result of passage of a naturally occurring, energetic, heavy ion through a sensitive region of a microcircuit. The dense, localised ionisation along the track of the ion can result in the generation of enough charge to change the state of an internal node resulting in a false logic transition.  There is a risk this may affect our electronics.

 

References

https://www.space.com/32644-cosmic-rays.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/cosmic-radiation