Crossovers of the energy spectra of galactic cosmic rays in the activity minima of consecutive solar cycles

Abstract

Calculations of the spectra of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) reveal crossovers of them in successive solar activity minima. The minima of consecutive 11-year cycles differ in the direction of the heliospheric magnetic field, and thus in the direction and magnitude of drift GCR fluxes. The crossover of spectra at relatively low proton energies (Е ~ 1.3 GeV) could explain the difference between the integral (in terms of energy) GCR intensities in consecutive 11-year cycles, noted in observations performed aboard spacecraft, in the stratosphere, and with neutron monitors.