Radiation from space weather can be very harmful to human bodies, which is why astronauts need to be really careful.

It can damage their cells which can lead to a range of problems including weakening muscles or causing memory loss.

The longer they’re exposed, the more harm is done.

To stop there being problems, scientists use the same material we make plastic bottles out of to protect astronauts on the International Space Station.

They might not travel as far outside the magnetosphere as spacecraft, but even aeroplanes can be high enough to receive radiation from space!

Luckily, the level of radiation is very low, so you don’t have to worry if you’re off on your holidays, but it is something airlines have to be aware of.

There’s more of a risk for the crew and the pilots, as they’re in the air more of the time. Let’s learn more about the effects space weather can have on humans…

If you want to find out more about space weather, you should check out Deep Space High: Intergalactic Weather Watch! Sam, Stats, and Quark are all taught about solar flares, cosmic rays, coronal mass ejections and more!

You can hear Deep Space High: Intergalactic Weather Watch on:

• Fun Kids Radio
• iTunes
• or listen to the series below!

Deep Space High: Intergalactic Weather Watch, with support from the Science and Technology Facilities Council