Editing Solar cycle (section)

==== Spacecraft ====
CMEs ([[coronal mass ejection]]s) produce a radiation flux of high-energy [[protons]], sometimes known as solar cosmic rays. These can cause radiation damage to electronics and [[solar cell]]s in [[satellites]]. Solar proton events also can cause [[single-event upset]] (SEU) events on electronics; at the same, the reduced flux of galactic cosmic radiation during solar maximum decreases the high-energy component of particle flux.

CME radiation is dangerous to [[astronaut]]s on a space mission who are outside the shielding produced by the [[Earth's magnetic field]]. Future mission designs (''e.g.'', for a [[human mission to Mars|Mars Mission]]) therefore incorporate a radiation-shielded "storm shelter" for astronauts to retreat to during such an event.

Gleißberg developed a CME forecasting method that relies on consecutive cycles.<ref>{{cite book |author=Wolfgang Gleißberg |title=Die Häufigkeit der Sonnenflecken |publisher=Ahademie Verlag |location=Berlin |date=1953 |language=de}}</ref>

The increased irradiance during solar maximum expands the envelope of the Earth's atmosphere, causing low-orbiting [[space debris]] to re-enter more quickly.