Anomalous Cosmic-Ray Helium, Nitrogen and Oxygen in 1996 - Measurements of the ERNE Instrument on-board SOHO

Abstract

The energy spectra of the anomalous components of helium, nitrogen and oxygen have been measured by the ERNE experiment on board the SOHO spacecraft. During February 28–April 30, 1996, the maximum intensity of anomalous helium was found to be 3.8 × 10-5 cm-2 sr-1 s-1 (MeV nucl-1)-1 in the energy range 10–15 MeV nucl-1. During the period January 26–April 30, 1996, the maximum oxygen intensity was 1.2 × 10-5 cm-2 sr-1 s-1 (MeV nucl-1)-1 at 4–7 MeV nucl-1, and the maximum nitrogen intensity 1.7 × 10-6 cm-2 sr-1 s-1 (MeV nucl-1)-1 at 4–9 MeV nucl-1. These peak intensities are at the same level as two solar cycles ago in 1977, but significantly higher than in 1986. This gives observational evidence for a 22-year solar modulation cycle. A noteworthy point is that the spectra of anomalous nitrogen and oxygen appear to be somewhat broader than in 1977.