The effect of a dynamic inner heliosheath thickness on cosmic ray modulation
Abstract
The time-dependent modulation of galactic cosmic rays in the heliosphere is studied by computing differential intensities between 200 MeV and 30 GeV using a two-dimensional, time-dependent modulation model. Recent theoretical advances in relevant transport parameters are incorporated into this numerical model which leads to results which are compatible to several spacecraft observations in both the inner and outer heliosphere, over a period of 22 years. For this work in particular, the time-dependence of the solar wind termination shock (TS) position is implemented into the model to study the effect of a dynamic inner heliosheath thickness (the regions between the TS and heliopause) on the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays. The study reveals that realistic changes in the inner heliosheath thickness does not significantly affect cosmic ray intensities in the inner heliosphere. However, as will be shown, intensities in the outer heliosphere are influenced by a time-dependent TS position.
- Publication:
-
40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014cosp...40E1995M