Analysis of ground level enhancement on January 6, 2014

Variations in the rigidity spectrum and anisotropy of cosmic rays during ground level enhancement (GLE) on January 6, 2014, is investigated using ground-based observations of cosmic rays (CRs) from the worldwide network of stations and spacecraft measurements obtained via a spectrographic global survey. The CR rigidity spectrum and relative variations in the intensity of CRs with rigidity of 4 GV are presented in the solar–ecliptic geocentric coordinate system in certain periods of the investigated event. It is shown that protons were accelerated during this GLE up to a particle rigidity of R ~ 2.4 GV. In the ~0.3 to ~2.4 GV range of rigidity, the CR differential rigidity spectra during the considered event were described by neither a power function nor an exponential function of particle rigidity. At the time of GLE, the Earth was in a loop-like IMF structure.     

Derivation of relativistic solar cosmic-ray spectra from the Baksan EAS array data

Fifteen increases in the intensity of solar cosmic rays (SCRs) from 30 investigated ground level enhancement (GLE) events have detected by Baksan EAS arrays in the period from 1981 until now. These data make it possible to refine the high-energy part of the SCR spectra calculated previously according to the data of the world-wide network of neutron monitors. A method for obtaining SCR spectra and calculating the specific yield functions for the Andyrchi, Carpet, and BMD Baksan arrays is briefly described. The SCR spectra for different instants in the GLE event of January 20, 2005 are presented.     

Observation of the 2005 January 20 GLE Event Using Yangbajing Solar Neutron Telescope & Neutron Monitor

A solar cosmic rays Ground Level Enhancement(GLE) event associated with a X7.1/2b solar flare in 2005 January 20 was observed by the Yangbajing solar neutron telescope(SNT) and neutron monitor(NM), located at Yangbajing Tibet(90.53°E, 30.11°N, 4310m a.s.l) with the highest vertical geomagnetic cut-off rigidity of 14.1GV in NM network. The statistical significance of the counting rate enhancement recorded by solar neutron telescope in >40MeV channel was 3.7σ in the time window of 07:00—07:05UT and 6.0σ in the time window of 07:00—07:20UT, respectively. The onset time of 06:51—06:52UT for this GLE event was clearly observed by the Yangbajing NM. Our observation indicates that solar protons have been accelerated up to energies of >10GeV during this solar event.     

Rigidity spectrum and cosmic ray anisotropy during sporadic events in July 2000

A spectrographic global survey is performed to study the rigidity spectrum and anisotropy of galactic cosmic rays using spacecraft data and data obtained via ground-based observations of cosmic rays (CRs) by a worldwide network of stations during the GLE of July 14, 2000, and the strong magnetic storm related to the coronal mass ejection (CME) accompanying the solar flare. The CR rigidity spectrum observed over the range of 1 to ～20 GV during this period is shown to be described not only by the power function of particle rigidity; the distribution of CRs in the earthward direction varies over time and depends on their energy.     

Proton spectrum of the 2005 January 20 solar flare

An extreme solar cosmic ray event broke out on 2005 January 20. Not only is it the most intensive solar energetic particle (SEP) event, with >100MeV particles measured by GOES satellite since 1986, but it has been the largest ground level enhancement (GLE) event recorded by the ground-based neutron monitors since 1956. This work presents the solar proton spectra for this event with data obtained by GOES in multiple energy channels. These spectra are well fitted by a modified power-law function. The spectral index of around －1 indicates that the January 20 event has a hard energy spectrum. Possible mechanisms for the acceleration of relativistic protons are discussed.     

Proton spectrum of the 2005 January 20 solar flare

An extreme solar cosmic ray event broke out on 2005 January 20.Not only is it the most intensive solar energetic particle (SEP) event,with＞100 MeV particles measured by GOES satellite since 1986,but it has been the largest ground level enhancement (GLE) event recorded by the ground-based neutron monitors since 1956.This work presents the solar proton spectra for this event with data obtained by GOES in multiple energy cbannels.These spectra are well fitted by a modified power-law function.The spectral index of around -1 indicates that the January 20 event has a hard energy spectrum.Possible mechanisms for the acceleration of relativistic protons are discussed.     

Implications on cosmic ray injection and propagation parameters from Voyager/ACE/AMS-02 nucleus data

We study the propagation and injection models of cosmic rays using the latest measurements of the boron-to-carbon ratio and fluxes of protons, helium, carbon, and oxygen nuclei by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and the Advanced Composition Explorer at top of the Earth, and the Voyager spacecraft outside the heliosphere. The Advanced Composition Explorer(ACE) data during the same time interval of the AMS-02 data are extracted to minimize the complexity of the solar modulation effect. We find that the cosmic ray nucleus data favor a modified version of the diffusion-reacceleration scenario of the propagation. The diffusion coefficient is, however, required to increase moderately with decreasing rigidity at low energies, which has interesting implications on the particle and plasma interaction in the Milky Way. We further find that the low rigidity( a few GV) injection spectra are different for different compositions. The injection spectra are softer for lighter nuclei. These results are expected to be helpful in understanding the acceleration process of cosmic rays.     

Spectrum of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays

Detailed calculation of the energy spectra of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays has been performed. The spectral features related to the interaction of protons with cosmic microwave background have been analyzed. The calculated spectra are compared with the experimental data obtained at the giant detectors for ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays.     

Primary and secondary effects in cosmic-ray variations at solar proton events

The variations of the cosmic-ray rigidity spectrum in the energy range from 0.8 MeV to several dozen GeV at solar proton events in January 2005 and December 2006 have been analyzed. A comparison of the observed and model spectra revealed the power range of direct detection of solar cosmic rays and moments of their observations.     

临近空间大气中子环境的仿真研究

以大气模型、宇宙线模型和地磁截止刚度模型为基础,利用蒙特卡罗方法在国内首次建立了临近空间大气中子环境的计算机仿真模型,分别研究了银河宇宙线、太阳宇宙线诱发的大气中子环境分布规律以及地磁场屏蔽作用对大气中子环境的影响.通过与国外相关模型对比,证明本仿真模型是准确、可靠的,对太阳质子事件的详细分析,弥补了国外已有模型中的不足.该模型可用于临近空间大气中子诱发的元器件单粒子效应评估,以及航空机组人员飞行期间所接受的辐射剂量分析. 关键词： 临近空间 大气中子 单粒子效应 蒙特卡罗     

Analyzing the June 2015 Forbush effect by the spectrographic global survey

The June 2015 Forbush effect is studied using ground-based measurement data on cosmic rays (CRs), obtained from the worldwide network of stations by the spectrographic global survey. When approximating the variation spectra via the exponential function of particle rigidity in the 10–50 GV range, the spectrum index is higher at the phase of maximum modulation than at those of the drop in CR intensity and its recovery.     

太阳大耀斑期间甚高能粒子流强增加的一种机制

近年来,在太阳大耀班期间,由地面中子记录装置及地下不同深度μ子记录器记录到宇宙线粒子的短期增长(GLE)现象,其能量范围已达几百GeV,甚至可达TeV能区.本文讨论了TeV能区的增长现象可能是银河宇宙线部分粒子获得再加速,由于宇宙线粒子能谱很陡,几百GeV的再加速能量能使TeV以上能区宇宙线流强有明显增长.     

Ultimate ground level enhancements of solar cosmic ray intensity

Possible values of ground level enhancements (GLEs) of the intensity of solar cosmic rays (SCRs) that can be recorded by neutron monitors (NMs) are estimated in two different ways for the ultimate spectra of solar protons. The first approach uses the statistical dependence between the maximum values of the integral proton flux >100 МeV and the GLE recorded by an NM. The second is to calculate the expected effect for the ultimate spectrum at a particular NM with known couple coefficients, atmospheric depth, and the threshold of the geomagnetic cutoff. Estimates using the first method vary from 9600 to 160000% for high-latitude NMs; estimates using the second method, from 1200 to 750000%. The obtained lower limits approximately correspond to GLE values observed earlier, and the upper limits are two orders of magnitude higher. Studies of the possible impact of solar proton events with spectra close to ultimate on the Earth’s atmosphere and biosphere should be continued.     

利用羊八井中子监测器研究宇宙线的太阳日周期变化

通过对宇宙线周期变化研究可以得到宇宙线产生和传播区域的重要信息,是宇宙线长期研究的重要热点问题。利用位于西藏羊八井(地磁截止刚度:14.1 GeV) 的中子监测器2006 至2011年的观测数据,研究宇宙线的太阳日周期变化。在对中子监测器观测数据进行气压修正后,通过Lomb-Scargle 傅立叶变换法对修正后的数据进行周期分析,发现宇宙线计数率存在超过地球公转运动Compton-Getting 效应的太阳日周期变化,该周期变化可能是地球公转效应和宇宙线传播物理过程调制效应以及剩余气象效应的叠加。计算分析了1 日周期信号的振幅和初相位随时间的变化,发现1 日周期变化的初相位存在较为明显的年周期变化规律,这可能是地球公转和自转合成运动的结果;1 日周期变化幅度在2010 年后出现增大趋势。这些结果对宇宙线周期变化和各向异性的研究具有重要参考意义。With the study of the cosmic rays' solar diurnal variation we can get the important information about Cosmic Ray's production and propagation. It's important issues of cosmic rays' studies. We analyze the temporal variation of cosmic rays rate observed with the Yangbajing neutron monitor during 2006 to 2011, and nd semidiurnal and diurnal period signals included in the rates of cosmic rays with vertical rigidity equal to 14.1 GV. We have checked the time dependence of the phase and the amplitude of semidiurnal and diurnal anisotropy, and nd that the phase of diurnal signal varies yearly, it could be a synthetic movement of the earth's rotation and revolution. The amplitude before 2010 is obvious smaller than that after 2010. These results are of great reference value for studying the anisotropy and time variation of cosmic rays.     

Analysis of the Forbush effect in May 2005 using the spectrographic global survey method

Based on the data from ground observations of cosmic rays (CRs) obtained by the spectrographic global survey method on the worldwide network of stations, the variations in the rigidity spectrum and anisotropy of galactic cosmic rays were investigated, along with changes in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity in May 2005. A high degree of anisotropy (∼40–60% for the first spherical harmonics and ∼5–6% for the second spherical harmonics) was observed for particles with a rigidity of 4 GV at the moments of the maximum modulation of cosmic rays.     

Energy spectrum and flows of solar cosmic rays during periods of their ground level enhancement

Events of the ground level enhancement of relativistic solar cosmic rays are studied using data from the world network of neutron monitor stations. The energy spectrum index and the absolute flow of solar cosmic rays for 15 GLE events observed between 1977 and 2012 are estimated from their effective energies [1]. The dynamics of changes in the index of the power energy spectrum γ in the range from 3 to 7 is observed.     

Measurements of the secondary particle energy spectra in the Space Shuttle

Measurements of the energy spectra of secondary particles produced by galactic cosmic rays and trapped protons due to the nuclear interactions of these particles with the Shuttle shielding provide a powerful tool for validating radiation transport codes. A code validated in this way can be used to better estimate the dose and dose equivalent to body organs, measurements that cannot be made directly. The principal cause of single event upsets in electronic devices in the region of the South Atlantic Anomaly is secondary particles, and even in the region of galactic cosmic radiation a significant fraction is produced by secondary particles. In this paper, we describe the first direct measurements of the energy spectra of secondary protons, deuterons, tritons, 3He and 4He produced by galactic cosmic rays inside the Space Shuttle using a charged particle spectrometer. A comparison of these spectra with radiation transport code HZETRN showed reasonably good agreement for secondary protons. However, the code seriously underestimated the flux of all other light ions. The code has been modified to include pick-up and knock-on processes. The modified code leads to good agreement for deuterons and 3He but not for other light ions. This revised code leads to about 10% higher dose equivalent than the original code under moderate shielding, if we assume that higher charge ion fluxes are correctly predicted by the model.     

Recent Results in Cosmic Ray Physics and Their Interpretation

The last decade has been dense with new developments in the search for the sources of Galactic cosmic rays. Some of these developments have confirmed the tight connection between cosmic rays and supernovae in our Galaxy, through the detection of gamma rays and the observation of thin non-thermal X-ray rims in supernova remnants. Some others, such as the detection of features in the spectra of some chemicals, opened new questions on the propagation of cosmic rays in the Galaxy and on details of the acceleration process. Here, I will summarize some of these developments and their implications for our understanding of the origin of cosmic rays. I will also discuss some new avenues that are being pursued in testing the supernova origin of Galactic cosmic rays.     

On the estimate of the energy of the nuclei of primary cosmic radiation generating extensive air showers

The analysis of the systematic errors in the determination of the energy of the particles of primary cosmic radiation that are inherent in the method for measuring extensive air showers (EASs) indicates the necessity of the exact inclusion of fragmentation in the nuclear interactions. The application of such a model developed for describing the experiments at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider improves the agreement between the energy spectra of the ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays measured at giant EAS arrays. It has been shown that the difference between the measured primary cosmic radiation flux intensities and the energies of the primary particles is within the methodical and instrumental errors. The real accuracy of the EAS method of studying ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays has been estimated using the data from six arrays.     

Implications for space radiation environment models from CREAM & CREDO measurements over half a solar cycle.

Flight data obtained between 1990 and 1997 from the Cosmic Radiation Environment Monitors CREAM & CREDO carried on UoSAT-3, Space Shuttle, STRV-1a (Space Technology Research Vehicle) and APEX (Advanced Photovoltaic and Electronics Experiment Spacecraft) provide coverage over half a solar cycle. The modulation of cosmic rays and evolution of the South Atlantic Anomaly are observed, the former comprising a factor of three increase at high latitudes and the latter a general increase accompanied by a north-westward drift. Comparison of particle fluxes and linear energy transfer (LET) spectra is made with improved environment & radiation transport calculations which account for shield distributions and secondary particles. While there is an encouraging convergence between predictions and observations, significant improvements are still required, particularly in the treatment of locally produced secondary particles. Solar-particle events during this time period have LET spectra significantly below the October 1989 event which has been proposed as a worst case model.