Rare solar radiation storm gives scientists clearest picture yet of flight risks

The most comprehensive data set ever collected from Earth’s atmosphere during a solar radiation event has highlighted the importance of better-coordinated radiation monitoring for aviation safety, according to new research led by the University of Surrey.

The study, published in Space Weather, analyzed data collected on Nov. 11, 2025, during the largest ground level enhancement (GLE) observed in almost 20 years. Triggered by a rare X5-class solar flare, the event caused an intense burst of radiation particles from the sun to penetrate Earth’s atmosphere and reach ground level.

Researchers combined readings from ground-based neutron monitors across the U.K., detectors on board transatlantic passenger flights and radiation monitors carried by weather balloons launched high into the atmosphere from the U.K. and the Netherlands.

Radiation exceeded advisory thresholds at altitude

The findings showed that radiation levels above the U.K. varied significantly depending on location and altitude. Weather balloons launched in collaboration with the Met Office from its site in Lerwick, Shetland, recorded radiation levels above the International Civil Aviation Organizations (ICAO) “moderate” advisory threshold at business jet altitudes (higher than commercial jet altitudes) several hours after the storm peaked. At still-higher altitudes associated with supersonic flight, measurements exceeded the ICAO “severe” threshold.

One flight from London to New York that departed during the storm also experienced a 46% increase in radiation exposure compared to normal background conditions.

“For me, the most exciting moment was watching the event unfold in real time. We started getting alerts from neutron monitors around the world suggesting something unusual might be happening and, within minutes, the balloon launches were triggered.

“We were then watching measurements come back live from the balloons, aircraft and ground sensors as the storm developed. Having all those systems operating together during the largest observed ground level enhancement in almost 20 years gave us an incredibly rare data set and the most complete picture we’ve ever had of this type of event,” said Ben Clewer, research fellow and space weather model and system developer.

Direct observations complement forecasting models

The study emphasizes the importance of combining direct atmospheric observations with the forecasting models currently used to assess aviation radiation risk during extreme solar radiation events. Current international advisory systems mostly rely on model outputs informed by ground- and space-based observations.

“I’d spent years studying these events, so when the alerts first came through, I assumed it would just be another small blip. But when I logged into the data stream and saw what was happening over Lerwick, I genuinely couldn’t believe it.

“The first balloon launch from Lerwick recorded an extraordinary radiation environment high in the atmosphere. It shows just how geographically variable these events can be, and why having coordinated monitoring systems in place is so important for improving our understanding of radiation risks to aviation,” said Dr. Fraser Baird, co-lead on the study and research fellow at the Surrey Space Center.

The project involved a collaboration of researchers from the Met Office and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI)—both partners on the space weather balloon launches—as well as Lancaster University and other international partners.

Building monitoring capacity for aviation

The findings could support future improvements in atmospheric radiation monitoring, particularly as airlines increasingly rely on sensitive electronic systems and more flights operate on high-latitude routes where radiation exposure is highest.

“The data received during this event, both from the monitors on the ground and from the balloon launches, are vital for our understanding of how space weather impacts radiation levels throughout Earth’s atmosphere. This is the first time radiation data have been collected through the atmosphere during a space weather event in this way and this represents a big leap forward in scientific understanding and will make a real difference to our space weather forecasting capability,” said Krista Hammond, Met Office space weather manager.

The study also marks the first time the U.K. has been able to monitor a major solar radiation storm using a nationwide network of neutron monitors spanning from Cornwall to Shetland. Researchers say that just a decade ago, there were no such operational sensors in the U.K.

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