Cosmic radiation

Ionising radiation that consists of high-energy particles, primarily atomic nuclei, of extra-terrestrial origin, and particles generated by interaction with the atmosphere and other matter. Solar cosmic radiation is cosmic radiation from the Sun. Galactic cosmic radiation is cosmic radiation that originates outside the solar system.

(Adapted from ICRP Publication 132, 2016)

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from ICRP Publication 132, 2016

Cosmic radiation is ionising radiation that consists of high-energy particles, primarily atomic nuclei, of extraterrestrial origin, and particles generated by interaction with the atmosphere and other matter. Primary cosmic radiation is cosmic radiation incident from space and the Sun at the Earth’s orbit. Secondary cosmic radiation comprises particles that are created directly or in a cascade of reactions by primary cosmic radiation interacting with the atmosphere or other matter. Important particles with respect to radiological protection and radiation measurement in aircraft are: neutrons, protons, photons, electrons, positrons, muons, and, to a lesser extent, pions and nuclear ions heavier than protons. Galactic cosmic radiation is cosmic radiation that originates outside the solar system. Solar cosmic radiation is cosmic radiation from the Sun.