A recent study by the Surrey Space Centre (SSC) in the UK has revealed a sharp spike in radiation levels due to a solar storm. The event was so powerful that it was detected from the ground, something not seen in nearly two decades. "This was the strongest ground-level event we've seen since December 2006," said Clive Dyer, a climate scientist at the University of Surrey.
On November 11, an intense solar flare hit Earth, prompting the UK and Netherlands meteorological offices to launch weather balloons. The balloons, flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet (a height more commonly associated with business jets and supersonic transport), recorded radiation levels 10 times higher than normal. This was the highest reading in two decades. "This was our first chance to use the new rapid-reaction balloon sensors in a real event," said Keith Ryden, head of SSC.