‘Cosmic Rays’ from Distant Supernova May Have Caused JetBlue Flight to Drop Mid-Air, Expert Says

Cosmic Rays from Distant Supernova Might have Caused JetBlue Flight’s Rapid Altitude Drop, Expert Suggests

A recent aviation incident involving a JetBlue flight that resulted in numerous passengers being hospitalized may have been triggered by cosmic rays, according to a space and radiation expert. The assertion challenges the explanation put forward by Airbus, the manufacturer of the aircraft, which attributed the incident to “solar radiation”.

Clive Dyer from the University of Surrey contradicted Airbus’ claim, stating that solar activity on the day of the incident was not significant. The event occurred on October 30 when a JetBlue Airbus A320 flying from Mexico to New Jersey suddenly experienced a sharp decrease in altitude, necessitating an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida. Reports confirmed that around 15 to 20 passengers were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

In a statement released about a month later, Airbus mentioned that solar radiation could potentially disrupt critical flight controls data, affecting the functionality of A320 Family aircraft. Consequently, the company identified a considerable number of in-service aircraft that might be impacted and mandated an immediate software update for over 6,000 planes. This led to a temporary grounding of the aircraft fleet to facilitate the necessary updates.

Clive Dyer, the space and radiation expert, voiced his perspective on the incident, suggesting that cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles originating from a distant star explosion, could have interfered with the aircraft’s systems. Dyer explained that cosmic rays have the capability to alter electronic circuits, leading to information corruption and hardware failures. These particles are often produced when massive stars explode in supernovas, sending particles towards Earth.

Contrary to solar radiation, cosmic rays could have been the causal agent in the JetBlue flight incident, as Dyer pointed out that the solar radiation levels on the day of the occurrence were ordinary. Following the incident, there was a sudden surge in potentially hazardous solar radiation levels in the atmosphere, prompting the swift Airbus software update. Manufacturers are urged to develop robust electronics, especially in safety-critical components, to withstand such instances.

According to experts, after a period of declining solar activity, there is a resurgence in solar events, indicating a more active sun that could have repercussions on aircraft operations. The heightened solar particle radiation from the sun poses a significant risk to aircraft, potentially affecting numerous flights. Despite these warnings and insights, neither Airbus nor JetBlue have responded to the recent queries regarding the incident.

As the aviation industry strives to understand and address the complexities of external factors impacting flight safety, incidents like the JetBlue flight serve as a reminder of the intricate relationship between cosmic phenomena and everyday technological operations. The evolving solar activity and its potential effects on aircraft systems underscore the need for continued vigilance and preparedness within the aviation sector.

In conclusion, the investigation into the JetBlue flight incident sheds light on the intricate interplay between celestial events and modern aviation technology, prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and technological resilience in the face of cosmic disturbances. As the skies above remain subject to cosmic forces beyond our control, the industry must adapt and fortify its defenses to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew aboard commercial flights.