GEOMAGNETICALLY TRAPPED PROTONS FROM COSMIC RAY ALBEDO NEUTRONS
Abstract
Albedo neutrons from galactic cosmic rays are shown to account for the gross features of the observed geomagnetically trapped protons. This source leads to an equilibrium intensity (at altitudes up to several thousand kilometers and at low latitudes) which compares quite favorably with observations, both in the shape of the energy spectrum, in the spatial distribution, and in the absolute intensity. In the analysis it is necessary to take account of the anisotropic emergence of neutrons (above 50 Mev), and of nuclear interactions in the oxygen exosphere (above 300 Mev). More detailed features, such as the angular distribution, may also be computed from the neutron albedo theory but no observations are available for comparison at present. The phenomenon responsible for the absence of trapped protons beyond about 2 earth radii is not yet certain. A number of nonadiabatic mechanisms are compared. The contribution to the trapped protons by albedo from solar flare cosmic rays has been estimated. It produces appreciable effects principally for protons of low energy trapped along higher lines of force (1.5 - 2.0 earth radii). (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0262797
Entities
People
- A.m. Lenchek
- S.f. Singer
Organizations
- University of Maryland