A quantitative test of solar modulation theory - The proton, helium, and electron spectra from 1965 through 1979
Abstract
The predictions of a conventional, spherically symmetric model of solar modulation have been compared with the measured spectra of positively and negatively charged galactic cosmic-ray particles at 1 AU throughout the 1965-1976 solar cycle and through the enhanced modulation of 1979. For the proton/helium, proton/electron, and helium/electron flux ratios, there is remarkably good agreement between theory and experiment, except for small differences in 1965 and 1969. Possible systematic experimental errors are discussed, and it is concluded that: (1) the 11 year modulation process is largely independent of the sign of the particle charge; and (2) the assumption of steady state is a fairly good approximation for long term modulation.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- December 1983
- DOI:
- 10.1086/184162
- Bibcode:
- 1983ApJ...275L..15E
- Keywords:
-
- Charged Particles;
- Energy Spectra;
- Galactic Cosmic Rays;
- Solar Cycles;
- Solar Wind;
- Stellar Models;
- Interplanetary Medium;
- Kinetic Energy;
- Particle Interactions;
- Spectrum Analysis;
- Space Radiation