Cosmic Ray Trajectories in Local Magnetic Fields,
Abstract
Several investigators have noticed sidereal and diurnal variations in the cosmic ray flux reaching the earth. The latter may be explained by periodic changes in the interplanetary magnetic field. The sidereal variations could possibly be produced by discrete galactic sources of cosmic ray particles. In order to investigate this effect the trajectories of 10 GEV particles arriving at the earth vertically at Annapolis, Maryland were numerically traced back through the terrestrial and interplanetary magnetic fields. It is found that the trajectory of an experimental maximum flux at 19 hours RA extrapolates backwards to the general direction of the galactic center for a variety of interplanetary sector magnetic field configurations. This indicates that discrete sources, most of which are located at the galactic center, could be responsible for the sidereal variations and the observed maximum flux at 19 hours RA. These results further suggest that the interplanetary magnetic field is not a randomizing field, as several previous investigators have indicated. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0769508
Entities
People
- Michael J. Gouge
Organizations
- United States Naval Academy