Cosmic-ray positrons from 10 to 20 GeV - a balloon-borne measurement using the geomagnetic east-west asymmetry

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/164859· OSTI ID:6581715

Mueller, D; Tang, K K

Results are reported for cosmic-ray positrons obtained in a balloon flight of the University of Chicago electron telescope in Hawaii in April 1984. Making use of the east-west asymmetry in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity, cosmic-ray positrons and negatrons were separated over the range 10-20 GeV. The resulting positron to electron ratio is 12-22 percent, significantly higher than the ratio measured in the 1-10 Gev range by other experiments. This increase appears to suggest that either a primary component of positrons becomes significant above 10 GeV or that the spectrum of primary negatrons decreases above 10 GeV more sharply than that of secondary positrons. 26 references.

• Research Organization: Chicago Univ., IL
• OSTI ID: 6581715
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 312; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640101* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Cosmic Radiation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABUNDANCE
ANTILEPTONS
ANTIMATTER
ANTIPARTICLES
ASYMMETRY
COSMIC POSITRONS
COSMIC RADIATION
EAST-WEST ASYMMETRY
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENERGY RANGE
ENERGY SPECTRA
FERMIONS
GEV RANGE
GEV RANGE 10-100
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LEPTONS
POSITRONS
RADIATIONS
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY
THRESHOLD RIGIDITY