Abstract
To better understand the acceleration mechanism of high-energy particles that are driven by solar flares, we examined solar neutron signals. We have performed a statistical analysis by reviewing the data collected by a neutron monitor during the period of January 2010 to August 2013. This detector operates at Mount Chacaltaya in Bolivia at 5,200 m above sea level. Our aim is to search for solar neutron events in association with large solar flares observed by the GOES satellite. We report that our analysis did not yield any positive excess due to solar neutrons that are statistically significant. Hence, we calculated the upper limit of the number of solar neutrons for the X2.8-class solar flare which occurred on 13 May 2013. We performed a similar calculation with a solar neutron event that occurred on 7 September 2005. Our upper limit is seven times less than the one produced by the real signal.
Highlights
Solar flares are a sudden burst and release of energy that take place at the solar surface
We show the results of searching for solar neutrons at Mount Chacaltaya associated with a series of M- and X-class solar flares during the rising period of the solar cycle 24
We concluded that our data do not contain a solar neutron signal associated with solar flares
Summary
Solar flares are a sudden burst and release of energy that take place at the solar surface. They are not isolated events, because they are always associated with other eruptive phenomena, such as filament eruptions, coronal mass ejections, Moreton waves, and sometimes sunquakes. During an Xclass solar flare, the bulk energy of released ions is in the order of 1032[erg] (Hudson 2011). The interaction of these ions with the photosphere can produce solar neutrons via nuclear interactions (Lingenfelter et al 1965). Solar neutrons can arrive forthwith from the Sun to the Earth – since they are not affected by the interplanetary magnetic fields – holding key information concerning the original particle acceleration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
