Low-energy cosmic-ray modulation related to observed interplanetary magnetic field irregularities

G. Gloeckler, J. R. Jokipii

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

The diffusion coefficient describing the motion of cosmic-ray particles in the interplanetary magnetic field is determined from the power spectrum of magnetic irregularities observed on space probes, and is found to be proportional to R (R=particle magnetic rigidity, =particle velocity). Near minimum solar activity, only this dependence of the diffusion coefficient on R and can account for the observed long-term intensity variations of cosmic-ray protons and helium nuclei down to 10 MeV per nucleon in energy. Thus, the motion of cosmic rays in interplanetary space may be quantitatively related to the observed magnetic field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)203-207
Number of pages5
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1966
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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