质子地磁垂直截止刚度在2004年11月7-8日两个时刻处的数值模拟

利用单粒子轨道理论, 在T04和IGRF2000磁场模式建立的磁层模型基础上, 应用四阶龙格库塔方法, 模拟计算宇宙线带电质子在地球磁层中的运动以及沿天顶方向入射到达地球磁场内的某一特定位置, 得到了距地球表面450km高度处全球质子垂直截止刚度在2004年11月7-8日中两个时刻的计算值. 根据计算得到的684个不同位置处的截止刚度值, 分析了同一时刻地磁垂直截止刚度随磁纬和磁经的变化. 与此同时, 模拟计算了相同时刻下磁纬为30°, 磁经为0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°处, 地磁有效垂直截止刚度随高度的变化情况. 结果表明, 在磁纬30°处, 其质子有效垂直截止刚度随距离地心高度的变化沿向阳处向磁尾处方向, 变化越来越缓慢.      

由环电流的宇宙线效应验证二维对称环电流模型

本文利用不同纬度超中子堆记录的宇宙线强度, 对不同磁暴类型下环电流的宇宙线效应进行了分析。加强的西向环电流使宇宙线截止刚度下降, 在某些特大的磁暴中, 中低纬字宙线截止刚度下降可达1GV以上, 从而使宇宙线强度增加。利用二维对称环电流模式, 从宇宙线的角度计算了环电流的磁暴效应。与实际观测值的对比显示, 除非特大的磁暴过程, 利用该模式所得结果与实际观测符合得较好。      

大气中子实时计算模式

为实时评估0~100km高度范围内的大气中子全球分布,对宇宙线在地磁场和大气中的传输过程进行了分析.利用蒙特卡罗方法工具包Geant4,预先计算不同能量的粒子在大气层中产生的次级粒子能谱分布,形成大气次级粒子数据库,并与相关模型进行对比,验证了该数据库的有效性和可靠性.以实测或预报的空间环境参数作为输入,计算同步轨道银河宇宙线和太阳质子事件能谱以及100km高度上的地磁垂直截止刚度,最终得到大气层顶上的粒子能谱.通过对大气次级粒子数据库的线性插值,实现1h分辨率的大气中子能谱和辐射剂量全球分布的实时计算.      

由地面宇宙线中子强度反演空间质子和重离子的分布

采用线性回归的方法研究了太阳活动平静时期空间高能质子和重离子微分通量与地面OULU宇宙线台站中子强度之间的相关性,利用地面中子强度数据来反演空间高能质子和重离子通量.从质子和重离子的能谱出发,结合OULU台站中子强度的数据,提出了由地面中子强度数据反演空间高能质子和重离子微分通量的新方法.文中以GOES卫星上350～420 MeV,420～510 MeV,510～700 MeV,＞700 MeV(P8～P11)四能道的高能质子和ACE卫星上的元素C为例,并将反演的数据与测量结果比较,二者符合较好.为了探索这种反演方法在空间辐射环境描述中的应用,同时利用2006年11月和12月质子通量的反演结果对反演方法进行了验证,证明利用这一反演方法可以从地面中子强度的数据很好地反演出空间质子和重离子的微分通量.      

“风云一号”(B)星对内辐射带质子的观测结果

本文介绍“风云一号”(B)星上的“宇宙线成份监测器”于1990年11月19至24日对内辐射带质子的观测结果。通过对这些结果的分析, 本文获得了4—23MeV能量范围内辐射带质子垂直强度在磁坐标内的分布特征。同时, 本文还给出了100°E子午面内质子垂直强度的分布。分析表明, 所得结果与辐射带理论一致。      

基于AMS-01实验估算羊八井处原初宇宙线的流强和能谱

利用Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer(AMS)实验对近地空间不同地磁纬度处不同能量原初宇宙线微分能谱的观测,通过积分近似计算和拟合方法,研究得出西藏羊八井地磁纬度处原初宇宙线质子动能在0.44～4.31GeV,4.31～12.38GeV,12.38～199.06GeV区间内的积分流强与拟合能谱函数以及原初宇宙线氦核在刚度区间6.92～14.45GV,14.45～229.9GV的积分流强与拟合能谱函数,为近一步进行羊八井处本底宇宙线流强估算奠定了基础.      

利用地面宇宙线强度变化预报地磁暴方法初步研究

分析了Nagoya宇宙线闪烁体望远镜探测数据的变化特点,定性地探讨了CME可能引起的地面宇宙线的变化特征,通过实例证实了地面宇宙线通量的异常波动是地磁暴发生的重要先兆特征,并且将8 h内宇宙线通量与该时间段内平均通量的偏差D8(t)参数应用到宇宙线数据分析中.通过数据分析与讨论,认为D8(t)参数达到一定阈值是地磁暴的重要先兆特征,但不是充分条件,虚假信号仍占多数;D8(t)参数与太阳质子事件探测结果相结合,对于大地磁暴的预报有较好的效果.      

HXMT的空间环境本底计算

硬X射线调制望远镜(HXMT)是一颗宽波段X射线(1～250 keV)天文卫星,其核心载荷高能X射线望远镜(HE)工作于硬X射线能区(20～250 keV),致力于实现硬X射线的高灵敏度巡天观测,描绘硬X射线天图,并对特殊天体作高灵敏度定点观测.为了获得高灵敏度,必须有效地抑制本底.本底主要是由轨道环境中的粒子(γ射线、质子、电子、中子)与探测器相互作用产生的.本文结合大量的描述近地空间本底的文献和最新的实测数据,整理出一套自洽的近地空间本底粒子的数据和公式,便于应用.并通过Geant 4软件模拟计算给出了HXMT的本底及本底随时间和轨道的变化.      

宇宙辐射,是资源还是祸害?

不是所有的东西都能成为太空家园的资源.有些不仅不是资源反而是祸害,宇宙辐射就是其中一例。 太空中的宇宙辐射对人体危害最大的主要是银河宇宙线和太阳宇宙辐射。银河宇宙线的主要成分是高能质子和原子序为偶数的重离子。太阳粒子事件产生大量的高能粒子,其中主要是质子、重粒子和电子。对人体危害最大的是质子,其次是重粒子。     

质子辐射带辐射中心区域模型

利用AP-8和CRRESPRO质子辐射带模式数据库, 比较了二者在磁赤道面上计算结果 的差异并给出其差异原因. 利用AP-8模式数据库数据, 建立起质子辐射带函数形式的辐射中心区域模式, 包括各能道全向微分通量峰值所对应的L值(L_c) 随能量E的变化模式以及各能道全向微分通量峰值J_max随能量E的变化模式. 利用RBSP A卫星REPT望远镜在磁赤道面上的高能质子观测数据, 分别与 AP-8模式、CRRESPRO模式及本文所得辐射中心区域模式计算结果进行比较, 发现在78.9, 102.6和208MeV三个能道上, RBSP A卫星观测所得各能道全向微分 通量明显偏大, 而L_c与AP-8或本文辐射中心模式所得结果基本一致; RBSP A卫星也观测到CRRESPRO Quiet模式所得的隐性第二质子辐射带结构.      

History of cosmic ray research in Finland

The history of cosmic ray research in Finland can be traced back to the end of 1950s, when first ground-based cosmic ray measurements started in Turku. The first cosmic ray station was founded in Oulu in 1964 performing measurements of cosmic rays by a muon telescope, which was later complemented by a neutron monitor. Since the 1990s, several research centers and universities, such as The Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki University of Technology, University of Oulu, University of Turku and University of Helsinki have been involved in space science projects, such as SOHO, AMS, Cluster, Cassini, BepiColombo, etc. At the same time, ground-based cosmic ray measurements have reached a new level, including a fully automatic on-line database in Oulu and a new muon measuring underground site in Pyhäsalmi. Research groups in Helsinki, Oulu and Turku have also extensive experience in theoretical investigations of different aspects of cosmic ray physics. Cosmic ray research has a 50-year long history in Finland, covering a wide range from basic long-running ground-based observations to high-technology space-borne instrumentation and sophisticated theoretical studies. Several generations of researchers have been involved in the study ensuring transfer of experience and building the recognized Finnish research school of cosmic ray studies.     

Cosmic ray anisotropy based on Yakutsk station in real time

The method has been developed to calculate galactic cosmic ray anisotropy parameters by using on-line data of the neutron monitor 24-NM-64 and muon telescope at the Yakutsk station. The preliminary analysis shows that characteristic changes in the anisotropy parameters caused by the first spherical harmonics of cosmic ray angular distribution are observed 1–2 days before the onset of the most part of large-scale geophysical disturbances on the Earth. There is reason to believe that the attraction of data of geophysical observations of other kinds will allow to develop the forecast methods for the arrival of large-scale interplanetary disturbances at the Earth.     

The KACST muon detector and its application to cosmic-ray variations studies

A single channel cosmic ray muon detector was constructed and installed in Riyadh, central Saudi Arabia, for studying the variations in the cosmic ray (CR) muon flux. The detector has been in operation since July 2002. The recorded data correspond to muons that primarily have energies between 10 and 20 GeV. The detector will be used to continuously measure the intensity of the muon components of the cosmic rays, exploring its variations and possible correlations with environment parameters. The technical aspects of this detector will be presented. Some results obtained by the detector so far will be given. These include the modulation of the CR flux on different time scales (diurnal, 27-day, and long-term variations). Additionally, the effect of a severe dust storm on the muon count rate was investigated.     

Test alert service against very large SEP Events

The Aragats Solar Environment Center provides real time monitoring of different components of secondary cosmic ray fluxes. We plan to use this information to establish an early warning alert system against extreme, very large solar particle events with hard spectra, dangerous for satellite electronics and for the crew of the Space Station. Neutron monitors operating at altitude 2000 and 3200 m are continuously gathering data to detect possible abrupt variations of the particle count rates. Additional high precision detectors measuring muon and electron fluxes, along with directional information are under construction on Mt. Aragats. Registered ground level enhancements, in neutron and muon fluxes along with correlations between different species of secondary cosmic rays are analyzed to reveal possible correlations with expected times of arrival of dangerous solar energetic particles.     

Cosmic ray studies at Moussala – Past,present and future

We review the main activities carried out at Moussala peak (2925 m above sea level, 42°11′N, 23°35′E) station in Bulgaria, connected with cosmic ray investigations during the last five decades. Several important results obtained at the station are reported. The detector design and corresponding methodological studies of the presently operational devices are shown as well, precisely the Cherenkov light telescope, lead free neutron monitor and muon telescope. The scientific potential of the existing complex is discussed.     

多方向μ介子通量一致性特征研究

通过地面μ介子望远镜可以探测不同方向到达的宇宙线通量,得到从外空间入射的宇宙线受到不均匀结构的调制情况,判断CME的特征.通过分析,发现大地磁暴前Nagoya台站东向和南向的探测数据存在固定的2h时间差,认为这是由两个入射方向的宇宙线粒子先后穿越CME结构引起的.分别计算了两个方向相同时间和南向相位后移2h后通量探测数据的相关系数,以及两种情形下通量差的变化幅度,定量描述了CME接近地球过程中两个方向通量的相关特征.通过比较发现,CME接近地球过程中,经过相位变换的两个方向的相关系数明显高于未经变换的情况,经过相位变换的两个方向的通量差幅度明显小于未经变换的情况;CME到达地球后,两种情形的相关系数和通量差幅度则趋于相同.对2003-2005年K_p=9的地磁暴事件的分析均发现了这种现象.对2006年12月14日大地磁暴前的μ介子通量特征进行了分析,也完全符合上述特征.      

Case study of Forbush decreases: Energy dependence of the recovery

Case study is presented for three Forbush decreases in 2004–2005, using cosmic ray data from ground-based detectors – neutron monitors and a muon detector. One of them was a typical event (September 2005), while two other were quite unusual (November 2004 and January 2005). Two unusual features, not expected from the standard theory, are revealed: (1) the recovery time of a Forbush decrease can strongly depend on the energy; (2) an over-recovery is observed in the most energetic cosmic ray data (muon detector). A simple scenario is suggested for the observed phenomenon.     

Forbush decreases and solar events seen in the 10–20 GeV energy range by the Karlsruhe Muon Telescope

Since 1993, a muon telescope located at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe Muon Telescope) has been recording the flux of single muons mostly originating from primary cosmic-ray protons with dominant energies in the 10–20 GeV range. The data are used to investigate the influence of solar effects on the flux of cosmic rays measured at Earth. Non-periodic events like Forbush decreases and ground level enhancements are detected in the registered muon flux. A selection of recent events will be presented and compared to data from the Jungfraujoch neutron monitor. The data of the Karlsruhe Muon Telescope help to extend the knowledge about Forbush decreases and ground level enhancements to energies beyond the neutron monitor regime.     

Relativistic solar protons in the ground level event of 23 February 1956: New study

In this study we applied again to the outstanding solar particle event of 23 February 1956, the largest one in the entire history of observations of solar cosmic rays. Due to significant improvement of the analysis/modeling techniques and new understanding of physical processes in the solar atmosphere and interplanetary space, a possibility arises to interpret the old data in the light of modern concept of multiple particle acceleration at/near the Sun. In our new analysis the data of available then neutron monitors and muon telescopes are used. The technique of the analysis includes: (a) calculation of asymptotic cones of ground-based detectors; (b) modeling of cosmic ray detector responses at variable parameters of the flux of solar relativistic protons; (c) determination of primary solar proton parameters outside magnetosphere by comparison of computed responses with observations. Certain evidence was obtained that the flux of relativistic solar protons consisted of two distinct components: prompt and delayed ones. The prompt component with exponential energy spectrum caused a giant impulse-like increase at a number of European cosmic ray stations. The delayed component had a power-law spectrum and was a cause of gradual increase at cosmic ray stations in the North American region. A numerical simulation of the proton acceleration in the vicinity of the magnetic reconnection region brings to the proton spectrum with exponential dependence on energy. This agrees with observational data for the prompt component. It is also shown that the huge increase in ∼5000% on neutron monitors was due to the prompt component only with the exponential proton spectrum. The power-law spectrum of comparable intensity gave considerably smaller effect.     

Applications and usage of the real-time Neutron Monitor Database

A high-time resolution Neutron Monitor Database (NMDB) has started to be realized in the frame of the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission. This database will include cosmic ray data from at least 18 neutron monitors distributed around the world and operated in real-time. The implementation of the NMDB will provide the opportunity for several research applications most of which will be realized in real-time mode. An important one will be the establishment of an Alert signal when dangerous solar cosmic ray particles are heading to the Earth, resulting into ground level enhancements effects registered by neutron monitors. Furthermore, on the basis of these events analysis, the mapping of all ground level enhancement features in near real-time mode will provide an overall picture of these phenomena and will be used as an input for the calculation of the ionization of the atmosphere. The latter will be useful together with other contributions to radiation dose calculations within the atmosphere at several altitudes and will reveal the absorbed doses during flights. Moreover, special algorithms for anisotropy and pitch angle distribution of solar cosmic rays, which have been developed over the years, will also be set online offering the advantage to give information about the conditions of the interplanetary space. All of the applications will serve the needs of the modern world which relies at space environment and will use the extensive network of neutron monitors as a multi-directional spectrographic detector. On top of which, the decreases of the cosmic ray intensity – known as Forbush decreases – will also be analyzed and a number of important parameters such as galactic cosmic ray anisotropy will be made available to the users of NMDB. A part of the NMDB project is also dedicated to the creation of a public outreach website with the scope to inform about cosmic rays and their possible effects on humans, technological systems and space-terrestrial environment. Therefore, NMDB will also stand as an informative gate on space research through neutron monitor’s data usage.