Energetic Neutrons

Solar flares and cosmic rays collide with the upper atmosphere, and the high-speed particles such as neutrons, can penetrate deeply into the atmosphere and even reach the ground. This is especially true of what are called 'air shower' events in which the high-speed particles collide with the nuclei of atoms in the atmospheric gases. These collisions produce sprays of other nuclear particles, most of which decay before reaching the ground. Some of these particles, especially the neutrons, can be detected at mountain top observatories and at ground levels as well.

Although the neutrons are generally harmless, they are a sign that other electrically-charged particles may also be present from these cosmic-ray events. Depending on your altitude, your local background radiation may be slightly elevated. These events may also be involved in damaging electronic components.

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