PAMELA Experiment Research Articles

Proton Fluxes Measured by the PAMELA Experiment from the Minimum to the Maximum Solar Activity for Solar Cycle 24

Abstract Precise measurements of the time-dependent intensity of the low-energy (<50 GeV) galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) are fundamental to test and improve the models that describe their propagation inside the heliosphere. In particular, data spanning different solar activity periods, i.e., from minimum to maximum, are needed to achieve comprehensive understanding of such physical phenomena. The minimum phase between solar cycles 23 and 24 was peculiarly long, extending up to the beginning of 2010 and followed by the maximum phase, reached during early 2014. In this Letter, we present proton differential spectra measured from 2010 January to 2014 February by the PAMELA experiment. For the first time the GCR proton intensity was studied over a wide energy range (0.08–50 GeV) by a single apparatus from a minimum to a maximum period of solar activity. The large statistics allowed the time variation to be investigated on a nearly monthly basis. Data were compared and interpreted in the context of a state-of-the-art three-dimensional model describing the GCRs propagation through the heliosphere.

Evidence of Energy and Charge Sign Dependence of the Recovery Time for the 2006 December Forbush Event Measured by the PAMELA Experiment

Abstract New results on the short-term galactic cosmic-ray (GCR) intensity variation (Forbish decrease) in 2006 December measured by the PAMELA instrument are presented. Forbush decreases are sudden suppressions of the GCR intensities, which are associated with the passage of interplanetary transients such as shocks and interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs). Most of the past measurements of this phenomenon were carried out with ground-based detectors such as neutron monitors or muon telescopes. These techniques allow only the indirect detection of the overall GCR intensity over an integrated energy range. For the first time, thanks to the unique features of the PAMELA magnetic spectrometer, the Forbush decrease, commencing on 2006 December 14 and following a CME at the Sun on 2006 December 13, was studied in a wide rigidity range (0.4–20 GV) and for different species of GCRs detected directly in space. The daily averaged GCR proton intensity was used to investigate the rigidity dependence of the amplitude and the recovery time of the Forbush decrease. Additionally, for the first time, the temporal variations in the helium and electron intensities during a Forbush decrease were studied. Interestingly, the temporal evolutions of the helium and proton intensities during the Forbush decrease were found to be in good agreement, while the low rigidity electrons ( GV) displayed a faster recovery. This difference in the electron recovery is interpreted as a charge sign dependence introduced by drift motions experienced by the GCRs during their propagation through the heliosphere.

Unexpected Cyclic Behavior in Cosmic-Ray Protons Observed by PAMELA at 1 au

Abstract Protons detected by the PAMELA experiment in the period 2006–2014 have been analyzed in the energy range between 0.40 and 50 GV to explore possible periodicities besides the well known solar undecennial modulation. An unexpected clear and regular feature has been found at rigidities below 15 GV, with a quasi-periodicity of ∼450 days. A possible Jovian origin of this periodicity has been investigated in different ways. The results seem to favor a small but not negligible contribution to cosmic rays from the Jovian magnetosphere, even if other explanations cannot be excluded.

Solar flare activity in 2006 - 2016 according to PAMELA and ARINA spectrometers

From 2006 to 2016 years on the board of RESURS-DK1 satellite PAMELA and ARINA cosmic rays experiments was carried out. The main goal of experiments is measurement of galactic component of cosmic rays; it also registers solar particles accelerated in powerful explosive processes on the sun (solar flares) in wide energy range. The article includes the list of solar events when PAMELA or ARINA spectrometers have registered increasing of proton flux intensities for energies more than 4 MeV.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Geoeffective Solar Event of 21 June 2015: Effects on the Magnetosphere, Plasmasphere, and Ionosphere Systems

A full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) left the Sun on 21 June 2015 from active region (AR) NOAA 12371. It encountered Earth on 22 June 2015 and generated a strong geomagnetic storm whose minimum Dst value was −204 nT. The CME was associated with an M2-class flare observed at 01:42 UT, located near disk center (N12 E16). Using satellite data from solar, heliospheric, and magnetospheric missions and ground-based instruments, we performed a comprehensive Sun-to-Earth analysis. In particular, we analyzed the active region evolution using ground-based and satellite instruments (Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO), Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS), Hinode, Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), covering H $\upalpha$ , EUV, UV, and X-ray data); the AR magnetograms, using data from SDO/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI); the high-energy particle data, using the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) instrument; and the Rome neutron monitor measurements to assess the effects of the interplanetary perturbation on cosmic-ray intensity. We also evaluated the 1 – 8 A soft X-ray data and the ${\sim}\, 1$ MHz type III radio burst time-integrated intensity (or fluence) of the flare in order to predict the associated solar energetic particle (SEP) event using the model developed by Laurenza et al. (Space Weather 7(4), 2009). In addition, using ground-based observations from lower to higher latitudes (International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET) and European Quasi-Meridional Magnetometer Array (EMMA)), we reconstructed the ionospheric current system associated with the geomagnetic sudden impulse (SI). Furthermore, Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) measurements were used to image the global ionospheric polar convection during the SI and during the principal phases of the geomagnetic storm. In addition, to investigate the influence of the disturbed electric field on the low-latitude ionosphere induced by geomagnetic storms, we focused on the morphology of the crests of the equatorial ionospheric anomaly by the simultaneous use of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, ionosondes, and Langmuir probes onboard the Swarm constellation satellites. Moreover, we investigated the dynamics of the plasmasphere during the different phases of the geomagnetic storm by examining the time evolution of the radial profiles of the equatorial plasma mass density derived from field line resonances detected at the EMMA network ( $1.5 < \mathrm{L} < 6.5$ ). Finally, we present the general features of the geomagnetic response to the CME by applying innovative data analysis tools that allow us to investigate the time variation of ground-based observations of the Earth’s magnetic field during the associated geomagnetic storm.

Late decaying 2-component dark matter scenario as an explanation of the AMS-02 positron excess

The long standing anomaly in the positron flux as measured by the PAMELA and AMS-02 experiments could potentially be explained by dark matter (DM) annihilations. This scenario typically requires a large "boost factor" to be consistent with a thermal relic dark matter candidate produced via freeze-out. However, such an explanation is disfavored by constraints from CMB observations on energy deposition during the epoch of recombination. We discuss a scenario called late-decaying two-component dark matter (LD2DM), where the entire DM consists of two semi-degenerate species. Within this framework, the heavier species is produced as a thermal relic in the early universe and decays to the lighter species over cosmological timescales. Consequently, the lighter species becomes the DM which populates the universe today. We show that annihilation of the lighter DM species with an enhanced cross-section, produced via such a non-thermal mechanism, can explain the observed AMS-02 positron flux while avoiding CMB constraints. The observed DM relic density can be correctly reproduced as well with simple s-wave annihilation cross-sections. We demonstrate that the scenario is safe from CMB constraints on late-time energy depositions during the cosmic "dark ages". Interestingly, structure formation constraints force us to consider small mass splittings between the two dark matter species. We explore possible cosmological and particle physics signatures in a toy model that realizes this scenario.

Ten years of CR physics with PAMELA

The satellite borne Pamela instrument is dedicated to the precise and high statistics study of cosmic-ray fluxes over a four decades energy range. Pamela experiment is the last step of the ‘Russian-Italian Mission’ (RIM) program established in 1992 between several Italian and Russian institutes and with the participation of Sweden and Germany. Designed asa cosmic ray observatory at 1AU, its extensive program is made possible thanks to the outstanding performance of the instrument, the low energy threshold, the quasi-polar orbit and the 10years duration of the observation. The physics program pays particular attention to the study of particles and antiparticles fluxes and includes search for dark matter, primordial antimatter, new matter in the Universe, study of cosmic-ray propagation, solar physics and solar modulation, and terrestrial magnetosphere. Very important is the discovery of the anomalous increase of the positron flux at energies higher that 10GeV (the so called ‘Pamela anomaly’), and the abrupt spectral hardening of H and He, challenging the current paradigm of cosmic-ray acceleration and propagation in the Galaxy.

Calibration of the GOES 13/15 high‐energy proton detectors based on the PAMELA solar energetic particle observations

AbstractThe Energetic Proton, Electron, and Alpha Detector (EPEAD) and High Energy Proton and Alpha Detector (HEPAD) instruments on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) spacecraft have served over many years as monitors of the solar particle intensities, surveying the Sun and measuring in situ its effect on the near‐Earth solar‐terrestrial environment. However, the reconstruction of the differential energy spectra is affected by large uncertainties related to the poor energy resolution, the small geometrical factor, and the high contamination by out‐of‐acceptance particles. In this work, the high‐quality data set from the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light‐nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) space mission is used to calibrate the high‐energy (&gt;80 MeV) proton channels of the EPEAD and the HEPAD sensors on board the GOES 13 and 15, bringing the measured spectral intensities inline with those registered by PAMELA. Suggested corrections significantly reduce the uncertainties on the response of GOES detectors, thus improving the reliability of the spectroscopic observations of solar energetic particle events.

Ten years of CR physics with PAMELA

The satellite borne Pamela instrument is dedicated to the precise and high statistics study of CR fluxes on a four decades energy range. Pamela experiment is the last step of the “Russian-Italian Mission” (RIM) program established in 1992 between several Italian and Russian institutes and with the participation of Sweden and Germany. Designed as a cosmic ray observatory at 1 AU, it extensive program is made possible thanks to the outstanding performance of the instrument, the low energy threshold, the quasi-polar orbit and the 10 years duration of the observation. The physics program pays particular attention to the study of particles and antiparticles fluxes and includes search for dark matter, primordial antimatter, new matter in the Universe, study of cosmic-ray propagation, solar physics and solar modulation, and terrestrial magnetosphere. Very important is the discovery of the anomalous increase of the positron flux at energies higher that 50 GeV (the so called “Pamela anomaly”), and the abrupt spectral hardening of H and He, challenging the current paradigm of cosmic-ray acceleration and propagation in the Galaxy.

Prescriptions on antiproton cross section data for precise theoretical antiproton flux predictions

After the breakthrough from the satellite-borne PAMELA detector, the flux of cosmic-ray (CR) antiprotons has been provided with unprecedented accuracy by AMS-02 on the International Space Station. Its data spans an energy range from below 1 GeV up to 400 GeV and most of the data points contain errors below the amazing level of 5%. The bulk of the antiproton flux is expected to be produced by the scatterings of CR protons and helium off interstellar hydrogen and helium atoms at rest. The modeling of these interactions, which requires the relevant production cross sections, induces an uncertainty in the determination of the antiproton source term that can even exceed the uncertainties in the CR $\bar{p}$ data itself. The aim of the present analysis is to determine the uncertainty required for $p+p\rightarrow \bar{p} + X$ cross section measurements such that the induced uncertainties on the $\bar{p}$ flux are at the same level. Our results are discussed both in the center-of-mass reference frame, suitable for collider experiments, and in the laboratory frame, as occurring in the Galaxy. We find that cross section data should be collected with accuracy better that few percent with proton beams from 10 GeV to 6 TeV and a pseudorapidity $\eta$ ranging from 2 to almost 8 or, alternatively, with $p_T$ from 0.04 to 2 GeV and $x_R$ from 0.02 to 0.7. Similar considerations hold for the $p$He production channel. The present collection of data is far from these requirements. Nevertheless, they could, in principle, be reached by fixed target experiments with beam energies in the reach of CERN accelerators.

Anisotropies in the flux of cosmic ray electrons and positrons

High energy cosmic ray electrons and positrons probe the local properties of our galaxy. In fact, regardless of the production mechanism, electromagnetic energy losses limit the typical propagation scale of GeV-TeV electrons and positrons to a few kpc. In the diffusion model, the presence of nearby and dominant sources may produce an observable dipole anisotropy in the cosmic ray fluxes. We present a detailed study on the role of anisotropies from nearby sources in the interpretation of present cosmic ray electron and positrons fluxes. Predictions for the dipole anisotropy from known astrophysical sources as Supernova Remnants (SNRs) and pulsars taken from the Green and the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) catalogs are shown. The results are obtained from models compatible with the most recent AMS-02 data on electrons and positrons fluxes. In particular, anisotropies for single sources as well as for a distribution of catalog sources are discussed. We compare our results with current anisotropy upper limits from the Fermi-LAT and PAMELA experiments, showing that the search of anisotropy in the electron and positron fluxes represents a complementary tool to inspect the properties of close SNRs, as for example the Vela SNR.

Difference in the heliospheric modulation of cosmic-ray protons and electrons during the solar minimum period of 2006 to 2009

Context. The PAMELA experiment observed galactic proton and electron spectra down to 70 MV and 400 MV, respectively, from mid-2006 to the end of 2009 during what is called an A Drift theory for the solar modulation of cosmic rays predicts that the intensity of protons at the Earth is expected to show a different rate of recovery towards solar minimum when compared to electrons during A The solutions of a comprehensive three-dimensional drift model are compared to PAMELA spectra to authenticate the modelling approach and then to make predictions of how electrons and protons are differently modulated down to 1 MeV, based on new very local interstellar spectra.Results. The comparison of observations and modelling provides insight into how the rigidity dependence of the three major diffusion coefficients changes during such quiet modulation conditions. How drift effects dissipate above several GeV and below 100 MeV is illustrated for both protons and electrons. The modulation that occurred at the Earth during this quiet period is shown as a function of rigidity and time. The e− /p ratio is computed from 10 MV to 50 GV for this period and a prediction is made for what may be observed in terms of spectra during the next A > 0 solar minimum.Conclusions. The presence of drifts during this quiet period is established based on the presented modelling and PAMELA measurements. Drift effects for protons and electrons are quantified in terms of their rigidity and temporal development from 2006 to 2009.

Cosmic ray modulation and radiation dose of aircrews during the solar cycle 24/25

AbstractWeak solar activity and high cosmic ray flux during the coming solar cycle are qualitatively anticipated by the recent observations that show the decline in the solar activity levels. We predict the cosmic ray modulation and resultant radiation exposure at flight altitude by using the time‐dependent and three‐dimensional model of the cosmic ray modulation. Our galactic cosmic ray (GCR) model is based on the variations of the solar wind speed, the strength of the heliospheric magnetic field, and the tilt angle of the heliospheric current sheet. We reproduce the 22 year variation of the cosmic ray modulation from 1980 to 2015 taking into account the gradient‐curvature drift motion of GCRs. The energy spectra of GCR protons obtained by our model show good agreement with the observations by the Balloon‐borne Experiment with a Superconducting magnetic rigidity Spectrometer (BESS) and the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light‐nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) except for a discrepancy at the solar maximum. Five‐year annual radiation dose around the solar minimum at the solar cycle 24/25 will be approximately 19% higher than that in the last cycle. This is caused by the charge sign dependence of the cosmic ray modulation, such as the flattop profiles in a positive polarity.

Heliospheric modulation of cosmic rays during the neutron monitor era: Calibration using PAMELA data for 2006–2010

AbstractA new reconstruction of the heliospheric modulation potential for galactic cosmic rays is presented for the neutron monitor era, since 1951. The new reconstruction is based on an updated methodology in comparison to previous reconstructions: (1) the use of the new‐generation neutron monitor yield function; (2) the use of the new model of the local interstellar spectrum, employing in particular direct data from the distant missions; and (3) the calibration of the neutron monitor responses to direct measurements of the cosmic ray spectrum performed by the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light‐nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) spaceborne spectrometer over 47 time intervals during 2006–2010. The reconstruction is based on data from six standard NM64‐type neutron monitors (Apatity, Inuvik, Kergulen, Moscow, Newark, and Oulu) since 1965 and two International Geophysical Year‐type ground‐based detectors (Climax and Mount Washington) for 1951–1964. The new reconstruction, along with the estimated uncertainties is tabulated in the paper. The presented series forms a benchmark record of the cosmic ray variability (in the energy range between 1 and 30 GeV) for the last 60 years and can be used in long‐term studies in the fields of solar, heliospheric, and solar‐terrestrial physics.

Implications of improved measurements of the highest energy SEPs by AMS and PAMELA

Solar energetic particles (SEP) are a key target of heliophysics research, not only as exemplars of particle acceleration and transport processes that are ubiquitous in astrophysical plasmas, but also as the most intense transient radiation hazard for human and robotic space explorers. SEPs are very well-observed by spacecraft covering particle energies below several hundred MeV/nucleon. Multiple missions, stretching back over decades, have yielded a fairly complete description of SEP intensity, energy spectra, and composition up to a few hundred MeV/nucleon. SEP characteristics at higher energies are, by comparison, only poorly understood due to the relative dearth of high-energy measurements. This lack of high energy measurements has contributed to a disagreement within the heliophysics community regarding the source regions and mechanisms that accelerate particles up to GeV energies. In solar cycle 24, the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) and the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) have been taking measurements of the highest energy SEPs from ∼100MeV to the GeV. Since the literature has discussed SEP acceleration to GeV energies in terms of Ground Level Enhancements (GLE), we will review the findings for GLEs in solar cycle 23. We will discuss the models and theories that address acceleration up to the GeV and how AMS and PAMELA measurements have the potential to advance the current understanding of SEP acceleration physics. Lastly, only 1–2 GLEs have occurred during solar cycle 24, so we will explore a set of SEP events that were observed in the ⩾100MeV GOES channels, most of which were also observed by PAMELA and AMS.

Spectra of solar neutrons with energies of ~10–1000 MeV in the PAMELA experiment in the flare events of 2006–2015

The first results from measuring the spectra of solar neutrons with energies of ~10–1000 MeV in the solar flares of 2006–2015 observed by the PAMELA international space experiment are presented. The PAMELA neutron detector with 3He counters and a moderator with an area of 0.18 m2 allows us to estimate the flux of solar neutrons during solar flares. Solar neutrons with energies of ~10–1000 MeV likely occurred in 21 out of the 24 analyzed flares of 2006–2015.

Secondary positrons and electrons in near-Earth space in the PAMELA experiment

Fluxes of electrons and positrons with energies above ~100 MeV in the near-Earth space are measured with the PAMELA magnetic spectrometer aboard the Resurs DK-1 satellite launched on June 15, 2006, into a quasipolar orbit with an altitude of 350–600 km and an inclination of 70°. Calculating the trajectories of detected electrons and positrons in the magnetosphere of the Earth allows us to determine their origin and isolate particles produced during interaction between cosmic rays and the residual atmosphere. Spatial distributions of albedo, quasitrapped, and trapped (in the radiation belt) positrons and electrons are presented. The ratio of positron and electron fluxes suggests that the fluxes of trapped particles of the radiation belt and quasitrapped secondary particles have different mechanisms of formation.

Modulation of electrons and positrons in 2006–2015 in the PAMELA experiment

The PAMELA magnetic spectrometer was launched aboard the Resurs DK-1 satellite into a nearpolar circumterrestrial orbit with an altitude of 350–600 km to study fluxes of the particles and antiparticles of cosmic rays in the wide energy range of ~80 MeV to several hundred gigaelectronvolts. The results from observations of temporal variations in electron and positron fluxes in 2006–2015 are presented. The ratio of electron and positron fluxes measured in this time interval reveals a dependence on the rigidity of particles, the solar activity, and the polarity of the solar magnetic field.

Solar modulation of cosmic deuteron fluxes in the PAMELA experiment

The preliminary results from measurements of deuteron fluxes in galactic cosmic rays (GCR) in the vicinity of the Earth in 2006–2009 are presented. The results are obtained by analyzing data from the PAMELA experiment aboard the Resurs DK-1 satellite. High-precision detection instruments provided an opportunity to identify GCR deuterons and measure their spectrum in the energy interval of 90–650MeV/nucleon. Spectra averaged over six-month intervals from the summer of 2006 to the summer of 2009 (the solar activity minimum) are presented. The influence of solar modulation on the observed spectrum is clearly seen in the results.

The new local interstellar spectra and their influence on the production rates of the cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be and 14C

AbstractWith Voyager1 crossing the outer boundary of our solar system at the end of 2012, for the first time in the instrumental era an unmodulated local interstellar spectrum (LIS) at galactic particle energies below ~500 MeV has been measured. On the basis of these as well as Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light‐nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) and Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS02) measurements, most recently, three new LIS models have been proposed in the literature. In this study we compare the newest LIS models to previously most often used ones. Thereby, we investigate and discuss the influence of these LIS models on the terrestrial production rates of the cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be and 14C, which are produced due to the interaction of galactic and solar cosmic rays with atmospheric constituents. After being transported within the atmosphere they are preserved in natural archives such as, e.g., ice sheets or tree rings, forming a unique tool to study the solar modulation of thousands of years back in time. To parameterize the heliospheric modulation we apply the force‐field approximation for the individual LIS models from which LIS‐dependent solar modulation parameter (ϕ) values are derived. Furthermore, we present updated sets of linear regression functions containing the opportunity to convert the LIS‐dependent ϕ values between the investigated LIS models. The results are then applied to a long‐term reconstruction of the solar modulation parameter.