The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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This is a composite image of the inner solar system showing the effect of an extreme solar event.
In the first panel, the light and electrons from solar activity reach Earth. Fast electrons and the slower ions follow magnetic lines of force.
A newly discovered method now allows explorers to use the electron ‘signal’ for their safety. In this situation, the arrival of hazardous radiation is imminent.
As the hazardous ions arrive, typically tens of minutes later, human explorers on the moon or on the way to Mars would have sought their own protection. Equipped with a warning system, this method can, in extreme cases, prevent a mission-threatening health condition: Acute Radiation Syndrome.
The individual images of the composite are available below: