#1
#1 out of 214.0K est. views
science23h ago
Struck by a cosmic ray: Galactic particles may have forced a passenger jet to make an emergency landing
- JetBlue Airbus A320 suddenly dropped altitude on Oct. 30, forcing an emergency landing in Tampa, injuring at least 15 passengers.
- Space.com notes initial Airbus statement cited solar radiation as a possible cause, later considered unlikely due to unremarkable solar activity on Oct. 30.
- Experts cited by Space.com say cosmic rays can interact with electronics to cause single-event upsets that affect aircraft sensors and computers.
- The article explains cosmic rays originate from supernovas and produce showers of particles that strike Earth’s atmosphere continually.
- The piece also references a past incident, Qantas Flight 72 in 2008, as a precedent for understanding single-event upsets in aircraft electronics.
- Space.com highlights that manufacturers have rolled out software updates to harden electronics against single-event upsets.
- The article notes solar activity remains a related risk, though it cannot fully account for the October incident.
- Senior writer Tereza Pultarova provides context on space weather and its impact on aviation safety.
- The report underscores the importance of robust electronics and ongoing industry vigilance for safety-critical systems.
Vote 0