Abstract Details


Name: Mihir I Desai
Affiliation: Southwest Research Institute
Conference ID: TVS202510191
Title: Solar Energetic Particle Events
Authors and Co-Authors:
Abstract Type: Invited by SOC
Abstract: Energy dissipated during violent solar explosions such as flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) appears as accelerated ions and electrons which are known as solar energetic particles or SEPs. Reconnection-driven processes during flares and acceleration at CME-driven shocks are the two primary mechanisms believed to be responsible for producing the majority of SEPs seen in space. SEPs pose radiation hazards for technological systems in space and on Earth as well as to astronauts during space missions. It is thus critical for the scientific community to develop a physics-based understanding of how and where these particles are produced and how they interact with the interplanetary medium as they propagate though the heliosphere. This talk reviews our current understanding of the acceleration and transport of SEPs, including the most energetic 10s of GeV protons that cause sudden increases in the intensities measured by cosmic ray neutron monitors on Earth’s surface – the so-called ground level enhancements or GLEs. Finally, we outline how current and future measurements can fill in existing knowledge gaps and ultimately enable the development of a reliable advance warning system that can safeguard our assets on Earth and in deep space.