Proton storm
A proton storm was an astronomical phenomenon in which protons emitted by a star were accelerated by the shock waves generated by a coronal mass ejection. This type of space storm was accompanied by radiation. An individual exposed to this storm without proper protection suffered damage to internal organs or even death. For those who died from proton storms, their bodies had a high concentration of beta particles.

In 3189, a proton storm caused by a CME from a nearby star impacted the . Although Doctor Attis survived initially the storm, his family were killed instantly. He survived, for as he beamed into the seed vault, the protons interfered with the starships magnetic shielding and destabilized his bodys polarization on a quantum level.  Until cured, Dr. Attis phased in and out from reality. Choosing not to leave his family, Dr. Attis stayed with them until he died from internal organ failure brought on by his exposure to the proton storm. ()

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Astronomical phenomena