Why Everest Climbers Watch the Sun Closely on Expedition
The Mount Everest summit is one of the closest points on Earth to outer space. During a Mount Everest expedition, solar flares can pose a real risk to both electronics and human health due to the lack of atmospheric shielding.
A major solar flare can ionize the upper atmosphere, disrupting the GPS and radio signals needed for navigation toward the Mount Everest summit. Expedition leaders must be prepared for 'digital blackouts' during high solar activity.
Near the Mount Everest summit, a solar flare can significantly increase the dose of cosmic radiation a climber receives. This is why spending as little time as possible in the 'Death Zone' is a key Mount Everest expedition safety rule.
Modern Mount Everest summit teams now receive space weather alerts alongside standard forecasts. It’s a high-tech layer of safety for Everest trekking and climbing in the 21st century.
The Mount Everest summit is a bridge to the cosmos. Respect the celestial forces at play during your Mount Everest expedition to ensure a safe and successful journey.
