What is "extreme solar particle event"? How may it damage Earth's ozone layer?

An "extreme solar particle event" might have a catastrophic effect on Earth, according to scientists. Experts predict that these occurrences, which happen around every thousand years, could happen shortly. The ejection of protons into space by the sun is known as solar particle events or solar storms. If these particles get to Earth, they have the potential to do serious damage, as per the reports of Daily Star.

Damage to the ozone layer

Damage to the ozone layer on Earth would be among the worst effects of such an occurrence. Our earth is protected from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation by this layer. If it's disrupted, Earth's UV radiation levels might rise.

Also Read: Did neurologist Dr Kevin Cannard visit Joe Biden eight times in nine months? Details of startling revelation

Potential impact on human health

Scientists Alan Cooper of Charles Sturt University and Pavle Arsenovic of the University of Natural Resources and Life Science (BOKU) outlined the hazards in a recent publication. According to their findings, there is a significant risk to human safety since solar particle events have the potential to initiate chemical reactions that could compromise the ozone layer. Skin cancer risk and other DNA damage could rise in the absence of adequate ozone shielding from damaging UV radiation.

Long-Term Effects

The scientists observed that UV levels might climb for approximately a year in the event of an intense solar particle outburst, which would damage DNA. If such an incident took place during a time when Earth's magnetic field is weak, things might get worse. In this scenario, ozone depletion might last for six years, increasing UV exposure by 25% and solar-induced DNA damage by 50%.

As per the reports of 'Daily Star', Cooper and Arsenovic emphasized the possibility of simultaneous occurrence of a weak magnetic field and an extreme solar particle outburst. This combination is "likely" to occur together, they said, raising the possibility of serious ozone layer damage.

Seismic particle events with extremes are rare, happening just once every few thousand years. As evidence of the rare but devastating nature of these occurrences, the most recent episode was reported in 993 AD.

FAQs:

What is an extreme solar particle event?
An extreme solar particle event is when the sun ejects a large number of protons into space, which can potentially reach Earth and cause significant damage.

Who conducted the study on the impact of solar particle events?
Scientists Alan Cooper from Charles Sturt University and Pavle Arsenovic from the University of Natural Resources and Life Science (BOKU) conducted the study.