The Earth is not an isolated system; our planet receives energy and particles from outer space. Some of these particles are what we call cosmic rays, a source of radiation originating from celestial bodies. Generally, cosmic rays do not affect humans. We have evolved over a long period under this “rain” of extraterrestrial particles. However, they do impact our technology, causing errors that can lead to very serious consequences.
Cosmic rays primarily come from the Sun or celestial events such as supernovae and the remnants they leave behind, like pulsars or black holes. These particles are often accelerated to extremely high speeds to traverse vast expanses of space and reach the surface of the Earth.
Cosmic rays affect our technology.
In fact, our planet is quite adept at blocking significant amounts of this radiation. The Earth’s magnetic field both traps and deflects it, and at times, these particles cause auroras.
When high-energy cosmic rays collide with electronic devices, they can cause data errors, equipment malfunctions, and even incidents on space stations. For instance, in 1998, a cosmic ray disabled the U.S. Navy’s GPS satellite for four hours.
Cosmic rays can cause radio signal loss and burn out devices like phones or GPS, partially damaging or even temporarily disabling them, but there are also subtler effects. Cosmic rays hitting silicon chips can induce various types of errors. A common error is a bit flip, a memory error where a computer bit changes from 0 to 1 or vice versa. Many systems have error-correcting algorithms to monitor this.
However, there are more serious concerns. The use of AI in systems like self-driving cars can result in such errors. This could lead to vehicles misinterpreting signs or failing to see pedestrians and other vehicles.
Cosmic rays hitting silicon chips can cause various types of errors. (Illustrative image).
Cosmic rays can create electromagnetic interference, affecting radio and satellite signals, causing communication and navigation disruptions. This can be especially dangerous in aviation and maritime fields, where accurate communication is crucial.
The largest solar storm ever recorded in human history – the Carrington Event – occurred in 1859 and destroyed telegraph lines worldwide; the telegraph lines were overloaded and short-circuited due to the induced currents from the geomagnetic storm. This led to widespread outages in many parts of the world.
Although no one died directly as a result of the Carrington Event, it caused significant economic damage and affected the technological development of that time.
Cosmic rays reduce the lifespan of electronic devices.
Cosmic rays continuously bombard electronic devices, leading to early aging and reduced lifespan. This is a concern for satellites and spacecraft operating in harsh space environments.
If a geomagnetic storm of the magnitude of the Carrington Event were to hit Earth today, given our reliance on technology, it could impact radio communications, GPS, satellites, power grids, and much more.
Therefore, ensuring that the technology used in the tools, instruments, devices, and vehicles we rely on daily is resilient to cosmic rays is becoming more important than ever.
However, on the positive side, cosmic rays provide scientists with information about the universe and its formation. Studying cosmic rays helps us gain a better understanding of high-energy physical phenomena and the evolution of stars. For example, research on cosmic rays has led scientists to discover quarks and gluons, the fundamental components of matter.
Research on cosmic rays can also lead to the development of new technologies, such as better radiation-resistant materials and electronics with higher resilience to cosmic rays. For instance, NASA is developing new electronic devices using graphene, which has better cosmic ray resistance than traditional materials.
Moreover, some types of cosmic rays can be utilized in nuclear medicine for diagnosing and treating cancer. For example, gamma rays are used to destroy cancer cells in the body.
Research on cosmic rays can lead to the development of new technologies. (Illustrative image).
Cosmic rays are a natural part of the cosmic environment and can impact Earth technology in many ways. Despite the negative effects, cosmic ray research also offers numerous benefits for science and technology. Scientists and engineers are continually working to develop protective measures to shield technology from cosmic rays, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of electronic systems on Earth.
