ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Single event upset

You know how you get angry or upset when things don't go your way? Well, just like you, electronics can also get upset! Single Event Upset is like a little tantrum that happens when particles from outer space or other sources hit your electronic devices, making them act a little crazy or even stop working for a short time.

Think of it like a set of dominos- when one falls, it can knock over the rest. Similarly, when a particle hits a tiny part of your electronic device, it can cause a chain reaction that affects other parts. This can make important information in the device change or even disappear!

Luckily, scientists have come up with ways to protect devices from these tantrums so that they can keep working properly. They use special materials and designs that shield the electronics from these particles so that they don't get upset too easily.