Solar particle precipitation into the polar atmosphere and their dependence on hemisphere and local time

The precipitation of solar energetic particles, protons as well as electrons, at high latitudes is commonly assumed to be homogeneous across both polar caps. Using Low-Earth Orbit POES (Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites) we determine particle penetration ratios into the polar atmosphere for protons ranging from about 0.1 MeV to 500 MeV and for electrons spanning about one order of magnitude in energy with a maximum of 0.3 MeV. Based on power law fits for the POES spectrum we show, that for energies interesting for middle and lower atmosphere chemistry, particle flux over the poles is comparable in magnitude to flux at the geostationary orbit or at L1 in interplanetary space. The time period under study are the solar energetic particle (SEP) event series of October/November 2003 and January 2005.     

X-ray, γ-emission and energetic particles in near-Earth space as measured by CORONAS-F satellite: From maximum to minimum of the last solar cycle

The Russian solar observatory CORONAS-F was launched into a circular orbit on July 31, 2001 and operated until December 12, 2005. Two main aims of this experiment were: (1) simultaneous study of solar hard X-ray and γ-ray emission and charged solar energetic particles, (2) detailed investigation of how solar energetic particles influence the near-Earth space environment. The CORONAS-F satellite orbit allows one to measure both solar energetic particle dynamics and variations of the solar particle boundary penetration as well as relativistic electrons of the Earth’s outer radiation belt during and after magnetic storms. We have found that significant enhancements of relativistic electron flux in the outer radiation belt were observed not only during strong magnetic storms near solar maximum but also after weak storms caused by high speed solar wind streams. Relativistic electrons of the Earth’s outer radiation belt cause volumetric ionization in the microcircuits of spacecraft causing them to malfunction, and solar energetic particles form an important source of radiation damage in near-Earth space. Therefore, the present results and future research in relativistic electron flux dynamics are very important.     

HXMT卫星空间环境监测器及初步观测结果

硬X射线调制望远镜（HXMT）卫星是中国首个专门进行天文探测的空间科学实验卫星,运行于高度约550km、倾角约43°的低地球轨道.星载空间环境监测器为星上科学任务开展提供背景辐射实测资料.该监测器采用固体探测器望远镜系统和扇形阵列全新组合设计,可获取轨道空间高能质子和高能电子能谱、方向综合动态结果,给出更为全面的粒子辐射分布图像.初步探测结果显示,卫星运行轨道遭遇的带电粒子辐射集中分布在经度80°W-20°E,纬度0°-40°S的南大西洋异常区,粒子辐射在该区域表现出不同程度的方向差异分布,高能电子方向差异分布显著强于高能质子.2017年9月空间环境扰动期间,爆发的太阳质子事件并未对该轨道粒子辐射产生影响,而地磁活动导致该轨道穿越经度120°W-60°E,纬度40°-43°N的北美上空和经度60°-120°E,纬度43°-40°S的澳大利亚西南区域时遭遇增强粒子辐射影响,增强的粒子辐射表现出极强的方向分布.      

December 2006 solar extreme events and their influence on the near-Earth space environment: “Universitetskiy-Tatiana” satellite observations

The Russian microsatellite “Universitetskiy-Tatiana” was launched on Jan. 20, 2005 and was both a scientific and educational mission. Its two main aims were declared as: (1) monitoring of the energetic particles dynamics in the near-Earth space environment after solar events and during quiet times, (2) educational activities based on experimental data obtained from the spacecraft. In this paper observations acquired during Dec. 5–16, 2006, known as “Solar Extreme Events 2006”, were analyzed. The “Universitetskiy-Tatiana” microsatellite orbit permits one to measure both solar energetic particle dynamics, variations of the boundary of solar particle penetration, as well as relativistic and sub-relativistic electrons of the Earth’s outer radiation belt during and after magnetic storms. Both relativistic electrons of the Earth’s outer radiation and solar energetic particles are an important source of radiation damage in near-Earth space. Therefore, the presented experimental results demonstrate the successful application of a small educational spacecraft both for scientific and educational programs.     

Overview on experience to date on human exposure to space radiations.

The human exposure in space depends on the three factors: the flight trajectory, its date and duration and the cyclogram of the cosmonaut's activities. In the near-Earth orbits the daily dose varies within the limits of (1.5-5.0) 10(-4) Gy day-1 and greatly increases if the altitude increases. The mean daily quality factor is 1.6-2.0. Strong solar proton events in the orbits with the inclination of < 52 degrees result in the dose rate increase up to 2-3 cGy day-1. On the surface of the orbital spacecrafts the daily dose reaches 2 Gy. The neutron dose depends on the shielding mass distribution varying within the limits of 6%-30% of the charged particles dose. In deep space the dose is mainly formed by the galactic and solar cosmic rays(GCR,SCR). Behind the shielding of 2-3 g cm-2 Al the GCR dose varies in the range of (20-30) 10(-5) Gy day-1. The SCR dose can reach hundreds of cSv.     

Solar proton events recorded in the stratosphere during cosmic ray balloon observations in 1957–2008

Long-term balloon observations have been performed by the Lebedev Physical Institute since 1957 up to the present time. The observations are taken several times a week at the polar and mid latitudes and allow us to study dynamics of galactic and solar cosmic ray as well as secondary particle fluxes in the atmosphere and in the near-Earth space. Solar energetic particles (120) – mostly protons – (SEP) events with >100 MeV proton intensity above 1 cm⁻² s⁻¹ s⁻¹ were recorded during 1958–2006. Before the advent of the SEP monitoring on spacecraft these results constituted the only homogeneous series of >100 MeV SEP events. The SEP intensities and energy spectra inferred from the Lebedev Physical Institute observations are consistent with the results taken in the adjacent energy intervals by the spacecraft and neutron monitors. Joint consideration of the SEP events series recorded by balloons and by neutron monitors during solar cycles 20–23 makes it possible to restore the probable number of events in solar cycle 19, which was not properly covered by observations. Some correlation was found between duration of SEP event production in a solar cycle and sunspot cycle characteristics.     

FY-3A卫星与NOAA系列卫星高能带电粒子实测结果的比较

FY-3A卫星是运行于830 km高度的太阳同步轨道气象卫星, 其搭载的空间环境监测器可观测3~300 MeV的高能质子和0.15~5.70 MeV的高能电子. FY-3A卫星在轨工作期间, 太阳活动处于由谷年向峰年过渡期, 空间环境非常平静, 探测结果显示3~300 MeV的高能质子分布主要集中在南大西洋辐射带异常区, 0.15~5.70 MeV的高能电子分布区域除南大西洋异常区外, 还分布在南北两极高纬区域. FY-3A与NOAA卫星测量结果反映出带电粒子强度及分布区域随投掷角变化的空间各向异性特征. 本文在充分考虑了带电粒子时间、空间分布差异以及比对探测器之间自身设计差异的前提下, 经过归一化处理后, 首次对两颗卫星同期探测结果进行相关性分析, 验证了两颗卫星相同时空条件下高能带电粒子通量分布的一致性; 说明FY-3A空间环境监测器不仅具备空间带电粒子辐射监测能力, 且探测结果有效可靠, 可用作辐射带环境数据源的组成部分, 为发展新的模型, 深入研究辐射带高能粒子的分布、起源和传输等提供新的观测依据.      

FY-3A卫星与NOOA系列卫星高能带电粒子实测结果的比较

FY-3A卫星是运行于830 km高度的太阳同步轨道气象卫星,其搭载的空间环境监测器可观测3～300 MeV的高能质子和0.15～5.70 MeV的高能电子.FY-3A卫星在轨工作期间,太阳活动处于由谷年向峰年过渡期,空间环境非常平静,探测结果显示3～300 MeV的高能质子分布主要集中在南大西洋辐射带异常区,0.15～5.70 MeV的高能电子分布区域除南大西洋异常区外,还分布在南北两极高纬区域.FY-3A与NOAA卫星测量结果反映出带电粒子强度及分布区域随投掷角变化的空间各向异性特征.本文在充分考虑了带电粒子时间、空间分布差异以及比对探测器之间自身设计差异的前提下,经过归一化处理后,首次对两颗卫星同期探测结果进行相关性分析,验证了两颗卫星相同时空条件下高能带电粒子通量分布的一致性;说明FY-3A空间环境监测器不仅具备空间带电粒子辐射监测能力,且探测结果有效可靠,可用作辐射带环境数据源的组成部分,为发展新的模型,深入研究辐射带高能粒子的分布、起源和传输等提供新的观测依据.     

Geomagnetic transmission disturbances and heavy-ion fluences observed in low Earth orbit during the solar energetic particle events of October 1989.

The large solar energetic particle (SEP) events and simultaneous large geomagnetic disturbances observed during October 1989 posed a significant, rapidly evolving space radiation hazard. Using data from the GOES-7, NOAA-10, IMP-8 and LDEF satellites, we determined the geomagnetic transmission, heavy ion fluences, mean Fe ionic charge state, and effective radiation hazard observed in low Earth orbit (LEO) for these SEPs. We modeled the geomagnetic transmission by tracing particles through the combination of the internal International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) and the Tsyganenko (1989) magnetospheric field models, extending the modeling to large geomagnetic disturbances. We used our results to assess the radiation hazard such very large SEP events would pose in the anticipated 52 degrees inclination space station orbit.     

Viewing radiation signatures of solar energetic particles in interplanetary space

A current serious limitation on the studies of solar energetic particle (SEP) events is that their properties in the inner heliosphere are studied only through in situ spacecraft observations. Our understanding of spatial distributions and temporal variations of SEP events has come through statistical studies of many such events over several solar cycles. In contrast, flare SEPs in the solar corona can be imaged through their radiative and collisional interactions with solar fields and particles. We suggest that the heliospheric SEPs may also interact with heliospheric particles and fields to produce signatures which can be remotely observed and imaged. A challenge with any such candidate signature is to separate it from that of flare SEPs. The optimum case for imaging high-energy (E > 100 MeV) heliospheric protons may be the emission of π⁰-decay γ-rays following proton collisions with solar wind (SW) ions. In the case of E > 1 MeV electrons, gyrosynchrotron radio emission may be the most readily detectible remote signal. In both cases we may already have observed one or two such events. Another radiative signature from nonthermal particles may be resonant transition radiation, which has likely already been observed from solar flare electrons. We discuss energetic neutrons as another possible remote signature, but we rule out γ-ray line and 0.511 MeV positron annihilation emission as observable signatures of heliospheric energetic ions. We are already acquiring global signatures of large inner-heliospheric SW density features and of heliosheath interactions between the SW and interstellar neutral ions. By finding an appropriate observable signature of remote heliospheric SEPs, we could supplement the in situ observations with global maps of energetic SEP events to provide a comprehensive view of SEP events.     

A comparison of two different types of geosynchronous satellite measurements during the 1989 solar proton events.

The proton telescope aboard the GOES-7 satellite continuously records the proton flux at geosynchronous orbit, and therefore provides a direct measurement of the energetic protons arriving during solar energetic particle (SEP) events. Microelectronic devices are susceptible to single event upset (SEU) caused by both energetic protons and galactic cosmic ray (GCR) ions. Some devices are so sensitive that their upsets can be used as a dosimetric indicator of a high fluence of particles. The 93L422 1K SRAM is one such device. Eight of them are on the TDRS-1 satellite in geosynchronous orbit, and collectively they had been experiencing 1-2 upset/day due to the GCR background. During the large SEP events of 1989 the upset rate increased dramatically, up to about 250 for the week of 19 Oct, due to the arrival of the SEP protons. Using the GOES proton spectra, the proton-induced SEU cross section curve for the 93L422 and the shielding distribution around the 93L422, the calculated upsets based on the GOES satellite data compared well against the log of measured upsets on TDRS-1.     

Solar particle events as seen on CRRES.

High energy proton detectors on the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) were used to measure near-Earth solar protons in an 18 degrees inclination orbit between 350 km and 36000 km from July 1990 to October 1991. CRRES data from the major solar particle event on 23-25 March 1991 show conclusively that MeV solar protons can penetrate deep inside the magnetosphere (to an L-shell of 2.5 RE) when a large shock-induced Sudden Storm Commencement (SSC) occurs and significant solar particle populations are present at geosynchronous altitudes. The penetration of solar particles well inside boundaries predicted by Stormer theory occurred during every large solar event of the CRRES mission, as well as many of the smaller ones. Often the deep penetrations occurred simultaneously with the formation of new trapped radiation populations which peak at L-values between 2.3 and 4 RE (depending on particle energy) and which last from days to months.     

Near-Earth radiation model deficiencies as seen on CRRES.

The Space Radiation (SPACERAD) experiments on the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) gathered 14 months of radiation particle data in an 18 degrees inclination orbit between 350 km and 36000 km from July 1990 to October 1991. When compared to the NASA radiation belt models AP8 and AE8, the data show the proton model (AP8) does not take into account a second belt formed after major solar flare/shock injection events, and the electron model (AE8) is misleading, at best, in calculating dose in near-Earth orbits. The second proton belt, although softer in energy than the main proton belt, can produce upsets in proton sensitive chips and would produce significant dose in satellites orbiting in it. The MeV electrons observed on CRRES show a significant particle population above 5 MeV (not in the AE8 model) which must be included in any meaningful dose predictions for satellites operating between L-shells of 1.7 and 3.0 RE.     

Variation of energetic particle precipitation with local magnetic time

The detailed study of the precipitation of magnetospheric particles into the atmosphere is complicated by the rather complex spatial configuration of the precipitation region and its variability with geomagnetic activity. In this paper we will introduce polar oval coordinates and apply them to POES observations of 30 keV to 2.5 MeV electrons and comparable protons to illustrate the dependence of particle precipitation on local time and geomagnetic activity. These coordinates also allow an easy separation of the spatial precipitation patterns of solar and magnetospheric particles. The results indicate that (a) the spatial precipitation pattern of energetic magnetospheric electrons basically follows the pattern of the field parallel Birkeland currents up to MeV energies and (b) at least in the mesosphere the influence of magnetospheric electrons is comparable to the one of solar electrons. Implications for modeling of atmospheric chemistry will be sketched.     

Be-7 nuclei produced by galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles in the earth''s atmosphere

Be-7 radioactive nuclei with a half-life of 53.3 days result from spallation reactions of galactic cosmic rays(GCR) and solar energetic particles (SEP) with N and O nuclei in the Earth's atmosphere. We calculate the average global production of Be-7 in the atmosphere by GCR and SEP The result indicates that an intense SEP event produces a large amount of Be-7 in the polar stratosphere and part of them could be transported to the surface at lower latitudes. The ground-level measurement of Be-7 in Japan exhibits the possibility of enhancement in the Be-7 radioactivity associated with the intense SEP event on July 14, 2000. In addition, the present experiment shows seasonal variations in the surface Be-7 concentration which peaks in spring and autumn. We discuss the possible air mass mixing between the stratosphere and troposphere to explain the measured seasonal variations. The surface concentration of Pb-210 nuclei indicates a similar trend to that of Be-7 and we suggest two possible explanations.     

A parametric study of space radiation exposures to critical body organs for low earth orbit missions.

The geomagnetically-trapped and galactic cosmic radiation environments are two of the major sources of naturally-occurring space radiation exposure to astronauts in low earth orbit. The exposure is dependent primarily on altitude, spacecraft shielding, crew stay-times, and solar cycle effects for a 28.5 deg orbital inclination. Based on Space Shuttle experience, the calculated results of a parametric study are presented for several mission scenarios using a computerized anatomical man model and are compared with the NASA crew exposure limits for several critical body organs.     

Solar cosmic rays in the near Earth space and the atmosphere

Solar energetic particles (SEPs) constitute a distinct population of energetic charged particles, which can be often observed in the near Earth space. SEP penetration into the Earth’s magnetosphere is a complicated process depending on particle magnetic rigidity and geomagnetic field structure. Particles in the several MeV energy range can only access to periphery of the magnetosphere and the polar cap regions, while the GeV particles can arrive at equatorial latitudes. Solar protons with energies higher than 100 MeV may be observed in the atmosphere above ∼30 km, and those with energies more than 1 GeV may be recorded even at the sea level. There are some observational evidences of SEP influence on atmospheric processes. Intruding into the atmosphere, SEPs affect middle atmosphere odd-nitrogen and ozone chemistry. Since spatial and temporal variations of SEP fluxes in the near Earth space are controlled by solar activity, SEPs may present an important link between solar activity and climate. The paper outlines dynamics of SEP fluxes in the near Earth space during the last decades. This can be useful for tracing relationship between SEPs and atmospheric processes.     

Relationship of solar flare accelerated particles to solar energetic particles (SEPs) observed in the interplanetary medium

Observations of hard X-ray (HXR)/γ-ray continuum and γ-ray lines produced by energetic electrons and ions, respectively, colliding with the solar atmosphere, have shown that large solar flares can accelerate ions up to many GeV and electrons up to hundreds of MeV. Solar energetic particles (SEPs) are observed by spacecraft near 1 AU and by ground-based instrumentation to extend up to similar energies as in large SEP events, but it appears that a different acceleration process, one associated with fast coronal mass ejections is responsible. Much weaker SEP events are observed that are generally rich in electrons, ³He, and heavy elements. The energetic particles in these events appear to be similar to those accelerated in flares. The Ramaty high energy solar spectroscopic imager (RHESSI) mission provides high-resolution spectroscopy and imaging of flare HXRs and γ-rays. Such observations can provide information on the location, energy spectra, and composition of the flare accelerated energetic particles at the Sun. Here, preliminary comparisons of the RHESSI observations with observations of both energetic electron and ion near 1 AU are reviewed, and the implications for the particle acceleration and escape processes are discussed.     

Overview of atmospheric ionizing radiation (AIR) research: SST-present.

The Supersonic Transport (SST) program, proposed in 1961, first raised concern for the exposure of pregnant occupants by solar energetic particles (SEP), and neutrons were suspected to have a main role in particle propagation deep into the atmosphere. An eight-year flight program confirmed the role of SEP as a significant hazard and of the neutrons as contributing over half of the galactic cosmic ray exposures, with the largest contribution from neutrons above 10 MeV. The FAA Advisory Committee on the Radiobiological Aspects of the SST provided operational requirements. The more recent lowering of ICRP-recommended exposure limits (1990) with the classification of aircrew as "radiation workers" renewed interest in GCR background exposures at commercial flight altitudes and stimulated epidemiological studies in Europe, Japan, Canada and the USA. The proposed development of a High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) required validation of the role of high-energy neutrons, and this resulted in ER-2 flights at solar minimum (June 1997) and studies on effects of aircraft materials on interior exposures. Recent evaluation of health outcomes of DOE nuclear workers resulted in legislation for health compensation in year 2000 and recent European aircrew epidemiological studies of health outcomes bring renewed interest in aircraft radiation exposures. As improved radiation models become available, it is imperative that a corresponding epidemiological program of US aircrew be implemented.     

近月空间带电粒子环境——“嫦娥1号”“嫦娥2号”观测结果

“嫦娥1号”（CE-1）、“嫦娥2号”（CE-2）都安装了1台太阳高能粒子探测器（High-energetic ParticlesDetectors,HPD）和2台太阳风离子探测器（Solar Wind Ion Detectors,SWIDs）,进行了月球轨道200 km和100 km空间环境探测,获得了月球轨道空间高能带电粒子（质子、电子和重离子）能谱随时间的演化特征、等离子体与月球相互作用特征以及太阳风离子速度、密度和温度参量。空间环境探测数据分析结果表明：太阳活动低年、空间环境扰动水平相对较低、月球处于太阳风中时,近月空间带电粒子环境的基本特征与行星际空间相比变化不大。CE-1、CE-2在轨运行期间,发现了多起0.1～2 MeV能量电子急剧增加事件,这些事件发生在月球从太阳风运动到磁尾的所有空间区域,其中20%的事件伴随着卫星周围等离子体离子加速。模拟和统计研究表明：能量电子急剧增加使得绕月卫星和月球表面电位大幅下降导致了离子加速现象的发生;能量电子总流量大于10¹¹ cm^-2时,绕月卫星和月球表面充电电位可达负的上千伏。此外,月表溅射与反射太阳风离子、太阳风“拾起”离子等空间环境事件的发现,揭示了太阳风离子和月球存在复杂的相互作用过程。