Heliospheric modulation of cosmic rays: Monthly reconstruction for 1951-2004
Abstract
The differential energy spectrum of galactic cosmic rays in the vicinity of the Earth can be parameterized by the so-called force field model which has only one parameter, the modulation potential ϕ, for a given local interstellar spectrum. Here we present the series of monthly values of the modulation potential ϕ since February 1951, reconstructed using the data from the worldwide neutron monitor network and calibrated with precise balloon and space-borne direct measurements of cosmic ray energy spectrum. This work provides a long series of a parameter allowing for a quantitative estimate of the average monthly differential energy spectrum of cosmic rays near the Earth. A comparison with other occasional direct measurements of cosmic ray spectra confirms the reliability of the present reconstruction. The results can be applied in studies of long-term solar-terrestrial relations and the global evolution of the heliosphere.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics)
- Pub Date:
- December 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2005JA011250
- Bibcode:
- 2005JGRA..11012108U
- Keywords:
-
- Interplanetary Physics: Cosmic rays;
- Interplanetary Physics: Solar cycle variations (7536);
- Interplanetary Physics: Interplanetary magnetic fields;
- Space Weather: Space radiation environment;
- Global Change: Solar variability (7537);
- cosmic rays;
- heliosphere;
- solar activity