NATURE → Cosmic Hazards - Cosmic Radiation
Commentary
The earth's surface is continually exposed to both solar and galactic radiation. Solar radiation are charged high energy subatomic electromagnetic particals omitted by the sun's corona (the solar wind) and from solar flares while Galactic radiation are particles omitted by the remnants of distant supernovas (exploding or colapsing stars). We are protected from both solar and galactic radiation by the earths magnetic field (magnetosphere). Occaisionally, strong bursts of solar radiation can disrupt electronic communications and navigation technology but such events are rare.
The interaction between solar radiation and the earths atmosphere can often be seen near the earths magnetic poles with the creation of colurful lights (aurora).
Diagramatic illustration of Solar and Galactic Radiation
Source:IAEA