On Low Energy Cosmic Rays and Energetic Particles Near Earth K

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

On Low Energy Cosmic Rays and Energetic Particles Near Earth K Contrib. Astron. Obs. Skalnat´ePleso 46, 15 { 70, (2016) On low energy cosmic rays and energetic particles near Earth K. Kudela Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 040 01 Koˇsice, Slovakia Received: September 14, 2016 Abstract. This paper is an update of the review paper (Kudela, 2009) in- cluding selected results and activities over the past 7 years related to ground based measurements of Cosmic Rays (CR), modulation of CR by the he- liosphere, solar CR, transitional CR variations, geomagnetic filtering, ener- getic/suprathermal particles in the Earth's surrounding, and relations of CR to space weather effects and atmospheric processes. Key words: cosmic rays 1. Introduction In 2012 a century since the discovery of cosmic rays (CR) by Victor F. Hess (1912) was celebrated. Several reviews on CR and on history of its research were published around that anniversary (e.g. Walter and Wolfendale, 2012; M¨uller, 2012; Grupen 2013; de Angelis 2014; Bazilevskaya 2014; Muraki 2011; Logachev et al. 2013 among others). History of CR research is described in several books and papers. One of the recent extensive and detailed reviews is in the book (Dorman and Dorman, 2014). This paper is an attempt to update the papers (Kudela, 2009; 2012) and to include some specific parts not covered earlier. It is not an exhaustive/complete review on energetic particles in space. In the subsequent sections some of new papers published after 2009 are mentioned. Very high energy CR results are not included, and only the direct CR measurements are inserted with references. Since the main point here is CR and energetic particles in the surrounding of the Earth, there are not mentioned results from several important missions to planets and e.g. the STEREO mission. Variations on long term scales (> several tens of years) are the subject using indirect methods of CR measurements, based mainly on a cosmogenic nuclide analysis in materials exposed to CR for a long time. These topics, very useful for estimates of e.g. solar activity in the past are not included in the current review. Overviews on that can be found e.g. in papers (Gosse and Phillips, 2001; Ivy-Ochs and Kober, 2008) as well as in the books (Dunai, 2010; Beer et al., 2012). Important new results on CR were obtained from PAMELA complex instru- ments as well as by AMS-02 detectors on low altitude orbits. One of them is 16 K. Kudela the precise measurement of CR proton and He spectra at energies from those below the sensitivity of ground based measurements up to very high energies (Adriani et al. 2011; Aguilar et al. 2015). An upper limit of the antihelium flux in CR is reported by Mayorov et al. (2011). The flux of antiprotons in the energy range from 60 MeV to 350 GeV has been obtained too (Adriani et al. 2012). Electron and positron fluxes in primary CR have been reported from both ex- periments, AMS-02 and PAMELA (Aguilar et al. 2014; Adriani et al., 2016). Gusev et al. (2001), by the study of the nuclear interactions of CR in the atmo- sphere, suggested a source of positrons with a possibility of their trapping in the magnetosphere. Mikhailov et al. (2016) present spatial distributions of trapped, quasi-trapped and short-lived albedo electrons and positrons in the near Earth space according to PAMELA observations. In the following chapters we present a short review of selected results and sci- entific activities with references on the ground based measurements (chap.2), the heliospheric modulation of CR (chap. 3), contribution to the CR flux from solar and interplanetary acceleration (chap. 4), short term or transitional CR varia- tions (chap.5), geomagnetic filtering of CR (chap. 6), energetic and suprathermal particles within the magnetosphere of the Earth and near its boundary regions (chap. 7), and, finally, CR relations to selected space weather effects and atmo- spheric processes (chap.8). 2. Measurements by neutron monitors and muon detectors After 50 years of measurements by neutron monitors (NM) at different sites, at various altitudes and for different periods of time, the network of those in- struments still remains to be an important tool for the study of primary CR variations in the rigidity range between 1 and 15 GV. History of a half of the century of measurements by NMs and of results obtained from them has been the subject of papers collected in a special issue of Advances in Space Research (Storini, 2009). In recent years new NMs have been put into operation and collection of the data has been updated. In October 2011, an NM64-type NM with a vertical cutoff rigidity of 11.2 GV started the measurements at Daejeon in Korea (Kang et al., 2012). Until 2014, 37 Forbush decreases (FDs) at Daejeon and at the position with a lower geomagnetic cut-off rigidity, namely Oulu have been re- ported (Kang et al., 2016). The Castilla-La Mancha neutron monitor (CaLMa) in Spain, with a vertical cut-off rigidity of 6.95 GV started its full operation in July 2012 (Medina et al., 2013; Blanco et al., 2015) and observed at least 29 FDs. A new NM with He3 tubes used for CR observatories in Chile is de- scribed by (Cordaro et al., 2012). While energy spectra and anisotropy of CR are deduced from many NMs with individual characteristics, the calibrations of NMs producing data over a long time period, is of importance (Kr¨ugerand Moraal, 2010; 2013). Semikh et al. (2012) report the NM design at Plateau de On low energy cosmic rays and energetic particles near Earth 17 Bure, France (2555 m a.s.l., in operation since 2008) and complete a numerical simulation obtaining in detail the NM detection response function for neutrons, muons, protons and pions at that altitude. The NM data processing center in Athens is introduced by Mavromichalaki et al. (2009). In addition to "classical" NMs a new design with a smaller size and weight and with rather high sensitivity, and thus being of importance for inter-cali- bration of NMs at different positions, namely mini neutron monitors, have been developed in past years and installed in operation (Poluianov et al., 2015; Heber et al., 2015, Kr¨uger et al., 2015). The altitude profile has been obtained recently with a mini NM (Lara et al., 2016). Assuming different characteristics of NMs from those obtained from cosmo- genic nuclides, the use of the 10Be flux to study heliospheric phenomena as an extension of NM records in the past are discussed by (Beer et al., 2013). Secondary neutrons are of interest since they contribute up to 60% to the dose from CR at flight altitudes and they are important also at high mountain positions (R¨uhm et al., 2009). Bonner Sphere Spectrometers (BSS) are used for monitoring neutrons at Zugspitze. Comparison with a high mountain NM and with other measurements indicates that BSS measurements could be used to monitor the flux of secondary neutrons from CR if the data are restricted to neutrons E > 20 MeV (R¨uhm et al., 2012). BSS measurements are compared with NM ones also at a high geomagnetic latitude (Pioch et al., 2011). Hubert (2016) described recently new high-altitude platforms operated in the Concordia stations since December 2015. By comparison with Pic-du-Midi, Pico dos Dias and the reference laboratory in Toulouse, the author reports a first neutron network dedicated to study the atmospheric radiation field based on neutron spectrometry. A BSS extended to high energies (HERMEIS) was set up at the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the French Pyrenees (2,885 m a.s.l.; geomagnetic cutoff 5.6 GV) in May 2011 (Cheminet et al., 2013). The authors analyzed FDs and derived an analytical model to estimate the atmospheric neutron spectrum at the the site according to primary spectra depending on the solar modulation potential. Relations between the variability of the primary CR flux and that measured by NMs as well as by muon detectors is of essential interest. In addition to earlier works (e.g. Clem, 2004; Clem and Dorman, 2000; Nagashima et al., 1990; Fl¨uckiger et al., 2008 and references therein), the recalculation of the primary CR flux variations above the atmosphere deduced from those measured by NM on the ground has been checked by new computations/simulations of the yield and response functions and compared in some cases with a latitudinal profile of the count rate by NM(s) in past years. Gil et al. (2015) verified the new yield function of NM using data from the PAMELA satellite measurements of CR during 2006-2009 and the NM latitude survey in 1994-2007 including intervals with high solar activity. The authors found a very good agreement between the measured count rates of sea level NMs and the modeled ones in different conditions. Maurin et al. (2015) discuss the uncertainty for NMs related to the 18 K. Kudela yield function and to other effects. Functions useful for inferring the primary CR variability from ground based NMs and from muon detectors can be found e.g. in papers (Mishev et al., 2013; Caballero-Lopez and Moraal, 2012; Mangeard et al., 2016; Caballero-Lopez, 2016). The surrounding structure of NM is important for the count rate measured. Monte Carlo simulations of the count rate inside and outside the building with NM and the use of the calibration detector provided validation of the model of the yield functions of NMs (Aiemsa-ad et al., 2015). Lead-free NMs with different sensitivity to energies of the primary CR than usual NMs (e.g.
Recommended publications
  • Trekking to Mount Aragats Two Peaks
    Trekking to Mount Aragats Two Peaks Key information Duration: 3 days / 2 nights (1 spare day for bad weather) Best season: 15 May – 30 September Tour type: Small group / individual (starting from 2 persons) What’s included: airport transfers, 4-wheel drive vehicle to Byurakan and back to Yerevan, mountain guide service for 3 days, 2 overnight in Weather station, meals for 2 days, 1 bottle of water per day (0.5lt.) What’s not included: flights, visa fee, medical insurance Physical requirements: Good physical fit, experience in walking with crampons and snowshoes Itinerary in brief Day 1 - Transfer from Yerevan to the Byurakan village - Lake Kari Day 2 - The South summit - The North summit Day 3 - Village of Byurakan - Transfer to Yerevan Detailed itinerary Day 1 After your arrival at the airport, you will head to the Byurakan village. Your ascending will start from 1600m with snowshoes to Lake Kari (3200 m). Overnight stay in weather-station and minimum conditions will be provided. (Hiking – 5 km, ascent / descent – 1600 m / 5249 ft.) Overnight: Weather station (minimum conditions) Meals: Lunch, dinner Day 2 This day you will have an early wake-up and breakfast. Your trekking programme will be following: ascending to the top of the southern summit 3879 m (with a snack at the top-lunchbox), descent into the crater, ascending to the top of the northern summit (4094 m), return to the weather station. (Hiking – 5 km, ascent / descent – 894 m / 2933 ft.) Overnight: Weather station (minimum conditions) Meals: full board (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner) Day 3 This day you will have an early wake-up and breakfast.
    [Show full text]
  • 40 CHURCHES in 7 DAYS 7 DAY TOUR ITINERARY* DAY 1 Meeting
    40 CHURCHES IN 7 DAYS 7 DAY TOUR ITINERARY* DAY 1 Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel and check-in. The first steps of your Pilgrimage will start from Katoghike Holy Mother of God and Zoravor Surb Astvatsatsin Churches, both dating back to the XIII century, situated in the centre of Yerevan. To get acquainted with the capital of Armenia, we will have a City Tour in Yerevan - one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the only one, that has a "Birth Certificate" - a cuneiform inscription, left by King Argishti I on a basalt stone slab about the foundation of the city in 782 BC, displayed at the Erebuni Fortress-Museum. Yerevan is often pegged as the "Pink City" because of the colour of the stones used to build much of the city centre. Another name of Yerevan is an "Open-air Museum", the reason of which you will understand upon your visit. We will start the City tour from visiting Cascade Monument which is about 450 meters high and 50 meters wide. A panoramic view from the top of Cascade opens up a breathtaking city view with Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square and posh Northern Avenue, along which you will walk down during the tour. We will also visit Matenadaran, which means a "book-depository" in old Armenian. Indeed, Matenadaran is the pride of Armenian culture, the world's largest storage of ancient manuscripts. In fact, it is a scientific research institute of ancient manuscripts which stores more than 17 thousand ancient manuscripts and more than 100 thousand ancient archival documents.
    [Show full text]
  • Statistical Properties of Superactive Regions During Solar Cycles 19–23⋆
    A&A 534, A47 (2011) Astronomy DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201116790 & c ESO 2011 Astrophysics Statistical properties of superactive regions during solar cycles 19–23 A. Q. Chen1,2,J.X.Wang1,J.W.Li2,J.Feynman3, and J. Zhang1 1 Key Laboratory of Solar Activity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PR China e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] 2 National Center for Space Weather, China Meteorological Administration, PR China 3 Helio research, 5212 Maryland Avenue, La Crescenta, USA Received 26 February 2011 / Accepted 20 August 2011 ABSTRACT Context. Each solar activity cycle is characterized by a small number of superactive regions (SARs) that produce the most violent of space weather events with the greatest disastrous influence on our living environment. Aims. We aim to re-parameterize the SARs and study the latitudinal and longitudinal distributions of SARs. Methods. We select 45 SARs in solar cycles 21–23, according to the following four parameters: 1) the maximum area of sunspot group, 2) the soft X-ray flare index, 3) the 10.7 cm radio peak flux, and 4) the variation in the total solar irradiance. Another 120 SARs given by previous studies of solar cycles 19–23 are also included. The latitudinal and longitudinal distributions of the 165 SARs in both the Carrington frame and the dynamic reference frame during solar cycles 19–23 are studied statistically. Results. Our results indicate that these 45 SARs produced 44% of all the X class X-ray flares during solar cycles 21–23, and that all the SARs are likely to produce a very fast CME.
    [Show full text]
  • Properties of the Solar Velocity Field Indicated by Motions of Sunspot Groups and Coronal Bright Points
    DISSERTATION zur Erlangung des Doktorgrades an der Naturwissenschaflichen Fakultät der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz Properties of the solar velocity field indicated by motions of sunspot groups and coronal bright points Ivana Poljančić Beljan begutachtet von Univ.-Prof. Dr. Arnold Hanslmeier Institut für Physik Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz und Dr. Roman Brajša, scientific advisor Hvar Observatory, Faculty of Geodesy University of Zagreb 2018 Thesis advisor: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hanslmeier Arnold Ivana Poljančić Beljan Properties of the solar velocity field indicated by motions of sunspot groups and coronal bright points Abstract The solar dynamo is a consequence of the interaction of the solar magnetic field with the large scale plasma motions, namely differential rotation and meridional flows. The main aims of the dissertation are to present precise measurements of the solar differential rotation, to improve insights in the relationship between the solar rotation and activity, to clarify the cause of the existence of a whole range of different results obtained for meridional flows and to clarify that the observed transfer of the angular momentum to- wards the solar equator mainly depends on horizontal Reynolds stress. For each of the mentioned topics positions of sunspot groups and coronal bright points (CBPs) from five different sources have been used. Synodic angular rotation velocities have been calculated using the daily shift or linear least-square fit methods. After the conversion to sidereal values, differential rotation profiles have been calculated by the least-square fitting. Covariance of the calculated rotational and meridional velocities was used to de- rive the horizontal Reynolds stress. The analysis of the differential rotation in general has shown that Kanzelhöhe Observatory for Solar and Environmental research (KSO) provides a valuable data set with a satisfactory accuracy suitable for the investigation of differential rotation and similar studies.
    [Show full text]
  • On Polar Magnetic Field Reversal in Solar Cycles 21, 22, 23, and 24
    On Polar Magnetic Field Reversal in Solar Cycles 21, 22, 23, and 24 Mykola I. Pishkalo Main Astronomical Observatory, National Academy of Sciences, 27 Zabolotnogo vul., Kyiv, 03680, Ukraine [email protected] Abstract The Sun’s polar magnetic fields change their polarity near the maximum of sunspot activity. We analyzed the polarity reversal epochs in Solar Cycles 21 to 24. There were a triple reversal in the N-hemisphere in Solar Cycle 24 and single reversals in the rest of cases. Epochs of the polarity reversal from measurements of the Wilcox Solar Observatory (WSO) are compared with ones when the reversals were completed in the N- and S-hemispheres. The reversal times were compared with hemispherical sunspot activity and with the Heliospheric Current Sheet (HCS) tilts, too. It was found that reversals occurred at the epoch of the sunspot activity maximum in Cycles 21 and 23, and after the corresponding maxima in Cycles 22 and 24, and one-two years after maximal HCS tilts calculated in WSO. Reversals in Solar Cycles 21, 22, 23, and 24 were completed first in the N-hemisphere and then in the S-hemisphere after 0.6, 1.1, 0.7, and 0.9 years, respectively. The polarity inversion in the near-polar latitude range ±(55–90)˚ occurred from 0.5 to 2.0 years earlier that the times when the reversals were completed in corresponding hemisphere. Using the maximal smoothed WSO polar field as precursor we estimated that amplitude of Solar Cycle 25 will reach 116±12 in values of smoothed monthly sunspot numbers and will be comparable with the current cycle amplitude equaled to 116.4.
    [Show full text]
  • At the Crossroads Between East and West
    AT THE CROSSROADS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST IN THREE HOSPITABLE COUNTRIES AGRICULTURE AND BREEDING HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED SINCE THE NEOLITHIC COPING WITH THE RHYTHMS OF THE SEASON A TREASURY OF GENETIC RESOURCES IS MAINTAINED IN GARDENS TO MAKE BREAD, CHEESE AND WINE PASTORALISTS AND FARMERS MANAGE THE LANDSCAPES RURAL PEOPLE KNOW AND USE WILD PLANTS AND ANIMALS COMBINING BIODIVERSITY, HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS AND SMALLHOLDERS’ DEDICATION: A PATHWAY INTO THE FUTURE 1²ñ¨»ÉùÇ ¨ ²ñ¨ÙáõïùÇ ù³éáõÕÇÝ»ñáõÙ 36rqin v6 q6rbin yolayrcnda CHAPTER 1 AT THE CROSSROADS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST 1 INTRODUCTION 1 WHEN LOOKING AT A MAP OF EURASIA, IT IS QUITE EASY TO IDENTIFY THE CAUCASUS REGION: IT IS THE LARGE CORRIDOR THAT LIES BETWEEN THE BLACK AND THE CASPIAN SEAS – A SORT OF GEOGRAPHIC HINGE THAT CONNECTS ASIA IN THE EAST TO EUROPE IN THE WEST. THE CAUCASUS IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRANSITION ZONE BETWEEN TEMPERATE AND SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE ZONES, WHICH CREATES FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR THE GENETIC EVOLUTION OF A WIDE RANGE OF FLORA AND FAUNA. his unique situation has made it possible for the The region is also situated along the main routes that have Caucasus to be a bridge between eastern and been used for thousands of years to connect the East to the western flora, a centre of genetic differentiation West and Asia to Europe, and this is reflected in the different that has created new endemic varieties and, at the same time, a populations, languages, cultures and religions that characterize door that has diffused the precious genetic material from east to it.
    [Show full text]
  • Physics-Based Approach to Predict the Solar Activity Cycles Irina N
    Physics-Based Approach to Predict the Solar Activity Cycles Irina N. Kitiashvili1,2 1NASA Ames Research Center, 2Bay Area Environmental Research Institute; [email protected] Observations of the complex highly non-linear dynamics of global turbulent flows and magnetic fields are currently available only from Earth-side observations. Recent progress in helioseismology has provided us some additional information about the subsurface dynamics, but its relation to the magnetic field evolution is not yet understood. These limitations cause uncertainties that are difficult take into account, and perform proper calibration of dynamo models. The current dynamo models have also uncertainties due to the complicated turbulent physics of magnetic field generation, transport and dissipation. Because of the uncertainties in both observations and theory, the data assimilation approach is natural way for the solar cycle prediction and estimating uncertainties of this prediction. I will discuss the prediction results for the upcoming Solar Cycle 25 and their uncertainties and affect of Ensemble Kalman Filter parameters to resulting predictions. Data Assimilation Methodology Effect of the Ensemble Kalman Filter Parameters on predictive capabilities of Solar Cycles Observations Dynamo model SolarSC23: Cycle EnKF, 30members, 23 prediction: start 1997.5 SC23: EnKF, 50members, start 1997.5 SC23: EnKF, 150members, start 1997.5 SC23: EnKF, 300members, start 1997.5 SC23: EnKF, 400members, start 1997.5 SC23: EnKF, 500members, start 1997.5 Parker 1955,
    [Show full text]
  • AT the SUMMIT of MOUNT ARARAT-MASIS Melkonyan A. A. Academician of NAS RA the Most Valuable and Magnificent Names of Ararat
    AT THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ARARAT-MASIS Melkonyan A. A. Academician of NAS RA The most valuable and magnificent names of Ararat and Masis for us Armenians have been known since earliest times. Ararat is mentioned in the Bible as a name mountains where Noah’s ark rested after the Flood subsided1. The word Ararat is presented as Armenia In Vulgatae and King James Bible2. It is suggested that the names of both Aratta (the 3rd millennium BC) of the Sumerian and Urartu (Van Kingdom, the first half of the 1st millennium BC) of the Assyrian cuneiform sources are derivations of the name of Ararat3. Great Ararat-Masis (5165 m) and Lesser Masis (Sis) (3925 m) Armenian historical sources preserved several mythological and folk legends connected with Great Masis and Hayk Patriarch’s generations (the 3rd-1st millennia BC) and kings of Great Armenia Artashes I (189-160 BC) and Trdat III (298-330 AD)4. While visiting Armenia William of Rubruck and Marko Polo saw Ararat and left testimonies about it. William of Rubruck had been told an Armenian tradition about the 1 Genesis 8:4. 2 Kings 19:37 and Isa 37:38. 3 Պետրոսյան Լ.Ն., Հայ ժողովրդի փոխադրամիջոցներ, Հայ ազգաբանություն և բանահյուսություն. ժողովածու, 6, Երևան, 1974, էջ 123: Kavoukjian M., Armenia, Subartu and Sumer. The Indo-European Homeland and Ancient Mesopotamia. Transl. from the Armenian original by N. Ouzounian, Montreal, 1987, pp. 59-81. cf. Մովսիսյան Ա., Հնագույն պետությունը Հայաստանում, Արատտա, Երևան, 1992, էջ 29-32: Դանիելյան Է., Հայոց պատմական և քաղաքակրթական արժեհամակարգի պաշտպանության անհրաժեշտությունը, “Լրաբեր” հաս.
    [Show full text]
  • Mount Aragats As a Stable Electron Accelerator for Atmospheric High-Energy Physics Research
    Mount Aragats as a stable electron accelerator for atmospheric High-energy physics research A. Chilingarian, G. Hovsepyan, E. Mnatsakanyan A.Alikhanyan National Lab (Yerevan Physics Institute), 2, Alikhanyan Brothers, Yerevan 0036, Armenia Abstract. The observation of the numerous Thunderstorm ground Enhancements (TGEs), i.e. enhanced fluxes of electrons, gamma rays and neutrons detected by particle detectors located on the Earth’s surface and related to the strong thunderstorms above it helped to estab- lish a new scientific topic - high-energy physics in the atmosphere. The Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREAs) are believed to be a central engine initiated high-energy processes in the thunderstorm atmospheres. RREAs observed on Aragats Mt. in Armenia during strongest thunderstorms and simultaneous measurements of TGE electron and gam- ma ray energy spectra proved that RREA is a robust and realistic mechanism for electron acceleration. TGE research facilitates investiga- tions of the long-standing lightning initiation problem. For the last 5 years we were experimenting with the “beams” of “electron accelerators” operated in the thunderclouds above the Aragats research station. Thunderstorms are very frequent above Aragats, peaking at May-June and almost all of them are accompanied with enhanced particle fluxes. The station is located on a plateau at altitude 3200 asl near a large lake. Numerous particle detectors and field meters are located in three experimental halls as well as outdoors; the facilities are operated all year round. The key method employed is that all the relevant information is being gathered, including the data on the particle fluxes, fields, lightning occurrences, and meteorological conditions. By the example of the huge thunderstorm that took place at Mt.
    [Show full text]
  • Nonaxisymmetric Component of Solar Activity and the Gnevyshev-Ohl Rule
    Solar Physics DOI: 10.1007/•••••-•••-•••-••••-• Nonaxisymmetric Component of Solar Activity and the Gnevyshev-Ohl rule E.S.Vernova1 · M.I. Tyasto1 · D.G. Baranov2 · O.A. Danilova1 c Springer •••• Abstract The vector representation of sunspots is used to study the non- axisymmetric features of the solar activity distribution (sunspot data from Greenwich–USAF/NOAA, 1874–2016).The vector of the longitudinal asym- metry is defined for each Carrington rotation; its modulus characterizes the magnitude of the asymmetry, while its phase points to the active longitude. These characteristics are to a large extent free from the influence of a stochastic component and emphasize the deviations from the axisymmetry. For the sunspot area, the modulus of the vector of the longitudinal asymmetry changes with the 11-year period; however, in contrast to the solar activity, the amplitudes of the asymmetry cycles obey a special scheme. Each pair of cycles from 12 to 23 follows in turn the Gnevyshev–Ohl rule (an even solar cycle is lower than the following odd cycle) or the “anti-Gnevyshev–Ohl rule” (an odd solar cycle is lower than the preceding even cycle). This effect is observed in the longitudinal asymmetry of the whole disk and the southern hemisphere. Possibly, this effect is a manifes- tation of the 44-year structure in the activity of the Sun. Northern hemisphere follows the Gnevyshev–Ohl rule in Solar Cycles 12–17, while in Cycles 18–23 the anti-rule is observed. Phase of the longitudinal asymmetry vector points to the dominating (active) longitude. Distribution of the phase over the longitude was studied for two periods of the solar cycle, ascent-maximum and descent-minimum, separately.
    [Show full text]
  • Types of Lightning Discharges That Abruptly Terminate Enhanced Fluxes of Energetic Radiation and Particles Observed at Ground Le
    PUBLICATIONS Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres RESEARCH ARTICLE Types of lightning discharges that abruptly terminate 10.1002/2017JD026744 enhanced fluxes of energetic radiation and particles Key Points: observed at ground level • Lightning discharges can influence the evolution of enhanced fluxes of A. Chilingarian1,2,3, Y. Khanikyants1, E. Mareev4 , D. Pokhsraryan1, V. A. Rakov4,5 , and energetic radiation and particles 1 (TGEs) S. Soghomonyan • Only negative CGs and normal-polarity 1 2 ICs were observed to abruptly Yerevan Physics Institute, Yerevan, Armenia, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics terminate TGEs Institute), Moscow, Russia, 3Space Research Institute, RAS, Moscow, Russia, 4Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy • All TGEs occurred when the of Sciences, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, 5Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, downward electron-accelerating Gainesville, Florida, USA electric field was present, at least for a portion of their duration Abstract We present ground-based measurements of thunderstorm-related enhancements of fluxes of energetic radiation and particles that are abruptly terminated by lightning discharges. All measurements Correspondence to: were performed at an altitude of 3200 m above sea level on Mount Aragats (Armenia). Lightning signatures S. Soghomonyan, were recorded using a wideband electric field measuring system with a useful frequency bandwidth of 50 Hz [email protected] to 12 MHz and network of five electric field mills, three of which were installed at the Aragats station, one at the Nor Amberd station (12.8 km from Aragats), and one at the Yerevan station (39 km from Aragats). We Citation: observed that the flux-enhancement termination was associated only with close (within 10 km or so of the Chilingarian, A., Y.
    [Show full text]
  • Stochastic Processes in Astrophysics
    COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS THESIS This thesis must be used in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Reproduction of material protected by copyright may be an infringement of copyright and copyright owners may be entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. Section 51 (2) of the Copyright Act permits an authorized officer of a university library or archives to provide a copy (by communication or otherwise) of an unpublished thesis kept in the library or archives, to a person who satisfies the authorized officer that he or she requires the reproduction for the purposes of research or study. The Copyright Act grants the creator of a work a number of moral rights, specifically the right of attribution, the right against false attribution and the right of integrity. You may infringe the author’s moral rights if you: - fail to acknowledge the author of this thesis if you quote sections from the work - attribute this thesis to another author - subject this thesis to derogatory treatment which may prejudice the author’s reputation For further information contact the University’s Director of Copyright Services sydney.edu.au/copyright Stochastic Processes in Astrophysics Patrick Noble Sydney Institute for Astronomy School of Physics The University of Sydney To my Mum and Dad Acknowledgments I would like to thank my supervisor Mike Wheatland for all of his support and guidance over the last three years. He has made me a better student than I thought I would ever be. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor, and I appreciate it so much.
    [Show full text]