Abstract
The electron to alpha-particle ratio is a sensitive parameter for examining the mechanism of solar modulation. Our balloon-borne detector designed for the detection of primary electrons (0.5–30 GeV) can also register alpha particles with a rigidity above 1.7 GV. These alpha particles are selected from the recorded events unambiguously by means of an analysis of the simultaneous ionization losses in three plastic scintillators. Several balloon flights have been carried out from Kiruna, Sweden (geomagnetic cutoff 0.5 GV) in 1965 and 1966. Electron observations from flights in subsequent years do not indicate a significant modulation of electrons above 500 MeV, whereas the alpha particles show a modulation of 15 ± 3%. The results are not in agreement with a purely rigidity-dependent modulation mechanism.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.