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Neutron monitor latitude survey of cosmic ray intensity during the 1986/1987 solar minimum

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
A latitude survey of the cosmic ray intensity at sea level was conducted during the 1986/1987 solar minimum period on commercial vessels of the South African Marine Corporation (SAFMARINE). The results show that the differential response function for the 1986/1987 solar minimum agrees well with that measured in 1965. Both these response functions are significantly lower than those for 1976 and 1954. This result supports the 22-year modulation cycle as predicted, for example, by models including drift effects of the charged cosmic ray particles in the large-scale interplanetary magnetic field. A crossover of the spectra at rigidities of about 7 GV was also observed. Such a crossover is necessary to explain both the stationary neutron monitor counting rates and the lower-energy balloon and space observations in consecutive solar cycles. copyright American Geophysical Union 1989
Research Organization:
Department of Physics, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, Potchefstroom, South Africa
OSTI ID:
6452679
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 94:A2; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English