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At least 1,063 records · Page 59
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

On the origin of cosmic rays

Using recent surveys of molecular clouds and gamma-rays in the galaxy, it has become possible to determine the distribution of 1 to 10 GeV cosmic-ray nucleons in the galaxy. This distribution appears to be identical to the supernova remnant distribution to within experimental error, providing strong support for the hypothesis that supernovae produce most of the observed cosmic rays. This distribution resembles that of OB associations of an average age of 30 million years, suggesting that cosmic rays are produced by population I objects about 30 million years after their birth.

Stecker, F. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Cosmic ray intensity variations during 0200-0700 UT, August 5, 1972

The cosmic ray intensity variations over the energy range of about 0.5 MeV to 1 GeV during the early part of August 5 are discussed in relation to the intensity changes during the entire period of activity (August 2 to 11). Measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field and particle data from ground-based neutron monitors, lunar sensors, and detectors in board Explorers 41 and 43 are used in the investigation. Analysis is made of intensity changes during the period from 0200 to 0700 UT on August 5, the north-south asymmetry in neutron monitor intensities, changes in the alpha particle/proton flux ratios, the lag in onset times as recorded by the two Explorers, and observations of flux enhancement by the lunar detectors. The results indicate that the enhanced particle fluxes (about 1 GeV) were due to a leakage of galactic cosmic rays into a low-intensity region of the interplanetary magnetic field bounded by tangential discontinuities, which connected to different particle sources both near the sun and in the outer solar system.

Venkatesan, D.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Cosmic-Ray and Gas Content of the Cygnus Region as Measured in Gamma Rays by the Fermi Large Area Telescope

Context. The Cygnus region hosts a giant molecular-cloud complex which actively forms massive stars. Interactions of cosmic rays with interstellar gas and radiation fields make it shine at y-ray energies. Several gamma-ray pulsars and other energetic sources are seen in this direction. Aims. In this paper we analyse the gamma-ray emission measured by the Fermi Large Area Telescope in the energy range from 100 Me V to 100 Ge V in order to probe the gas and cosmic-ray content over the scale of the whole Cygnus complex. The gamma-ray emission on the scale of the central massive stellar clusters and from individual sources is addressed elsewhere. Methods. The signal from bright pulsars is largely reduced by selecting photons in their off-pulse phase intervals. We compare the diffuse gamma-ray emission with interstellar gas maps derived from radio/mm-wave lines and visual extinction data. and a global model of the region, including other pulsars and gamma-ray sources, is sought. Results. The integral H I emissivity above 100 MeV averaged over the whole Cygnus complex amounts to 12.06 +/- 0.11 (stat.) (+0.15 -0.84) (syst.J] x 10(exp -26) photons /s / sr / H-atom, where the systematic error is dominated by the uncertainty on the H I opacity to calculate its column densities. The integral emissivity and its spectral energy distribution are both consistent within the systematics with LAT measurements in the interstellar space near the solar system. The average X(sub co) N(H2)/W(sub co) ratio is found to be [1.68 +/- 0.05 (stat.) (H I opacity)] x 1020 molecules cm-2 (K km/s /r, consistent with other LAT measurements in the Local Arm. We detect significant gamma-ray emission from dark neutral gas for a mass corresponding to approx 40% of that traced by CO. The total interstellar mass in the Cygnus complex inferred from its gamma-ray emission amounts to 8(+5 -1) x 10(exp 6) Solar M at a distance of 1.4 kpc. Conclusions. Despite the conspicuous star formation activity and large masses of the interstellar clouds, the cosmic-ray population in the Cygnus complex averaged over a few hundred parsecs is similar to that of the local interstellar space.

Ackermann, M.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Cosmic Ray Transport in the Distant Heliosheath

The character of energetic particle transport in the distant heliosheath and especially in the vicinity of the heliopause could be quite distinct from the other regions of the heliosphere. The magnetic field structure is dominated by a tightly wrapped oscillating heliospheric current sheet which is transported to higher latitudes by the nonradial heliosheath flows. Both Voyagers have, or are expected to enter a region dominated by the sectored field formed during the preceding solar maximum. As the plasma flow slows down on approach to the heliopause, the distance between the folds of the current sheet decreases to the point where it becomes comparable to the cyclotron radius of an energetic ion, such as a galactic cosmic ray. Then, a charged particle can effectively drift across a stack of magnetic sectors with a speed comparable with the particle s velocity. Cosmic rays should also be able to efficiently diffuse across the mean magnetic field if the distance between sector boundaries varies. The region of the heliopause could thus be much more permeable to cosmic rays than was previously thought. This new transport proposed mechanism could explain the very high intensities (approaching the model interstellar values) of galactic cosmic rays measured by Voyager 1 during 2010-2011.

Florinski, V.↗
DOE OSTI2012

TESTING THE ORIGIN OF HIGH-ENERGY COSMIC RAYS

Recent accurate measurements of cosmic-ray (CR) protons and nuclei by ATIC-2, CREAM, and PAMELA reveal (1) unexpected spectral hardening in the spectra of CR species above a few hundred GeV per nucleon, (2) a harder spectrum of He compared to protons, and (3) softening of the CR spectra just below the break energy. These newly discovered features may offer a clue to the origin of the observed high-energy Galactic CRs. We discuss possible interpretations of these spectral features and make predictions for the secondary CR fluxes and secondary-to-primary ratios, anisotropy of CRs, and diffuse Galactic {gamma}-ray emission in different phenomenological scenarios. Our predictions can be tested by currently running or near-future high-energy astrophysics experiments.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1977

The cosmic-ray antiproton flux - An upper limit near that predicted for secondary production

Data gathered from a balloon flight of a superconducting-magnet spectrometer have been examined for the presence of cosmic-ray antiprotons. The ratio of antiprotons to protons, p(-)/p, in cosmic rays was found to be (0.03 + or - 3.3) ten-thousandths in the rigidity interval from 4.2 to 12.5 GV. The 95%-confidence-level upper limit for p(-)/p is thus 0.00066. This upper limit is in strong contradiction to the prediction of the closed-galaxy model of Rasmussen and Peters (1975), but is not inconsistent with the prediction of the modified closed-galaxy model of Peters and Westergaard (1977). It is nearly equal to the predictions of conventional propagation models. This result provides an independent confirmation of the absence of primary antimatter in the cosmic rays at a level of approximately a few ten-thousandths.

Badhwar, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Deep Mapping of Small Solar System Bodies with Galactic Cosmic Ray Secondary Particle Showers

We will investigate the use of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) secondary particles to probe the deep interiors of small solar system bodies (SSBs), including comets, asteroids, and geologic structures on the surfaces of airless bodies. Applications include solar system science, planetary defense, and resource utilization. Our Phase I study demonstrated that muons, the long-range charged component of GCR showers, can penetrate SSBs up to a km in diameter, providing information on their interior structure. Muons produced in Earth’s atmosphere have been applied to image the interior of large objects for science and engineering. In Phase I, we found that the production of muons in the solid surfaces of airless bodies is much smaller than in Earth’s atmosphere. Nevertheless, the flux of transmitted muons is sufficient to detect inclusions within an asteroid or comet in a reasonable amount of time, ranging from hours to weeks, depending on the size of the SSB and the density contrast, position and size of the inclusion. For asteroids and comets, large density variations (e.g., porous soil or ice versus solid rock) are relatively easy to detect. The intrinsic spatial resolution of muon radiography (“muography”) is on the scale of a few meters. The spatial resolution that can be achieved in practice depends on signal intensity and integration time (counting statistics), the angular resolution of the muon tracker (hodoscope) and details of data reduction and analysis methodology. Our Phase II project will assess remaining unknowns for the application of muography to determining the interior structure of SSBs, assess risks for implementation, and provide a roadmap for development of SSB muography beyond the NIAC program. To achieve our objectives, we will focus on four interrelated tasks: Task1) Signal and background characterization: Characterize the production and transmission of muons and secondary particle backgrounds made by cosmic ray showers in SSBs; and near-surface features from radiographic and tomographic data; Task2) Imaging studies: Develop methods to determine the density structure of SSB interiors and near-surface features from radiographic and tomographic data; Task3) Instrument design: Using simulations and bench-top laboratory experiments, investigate specific concepts for the design of compact hodoscopes and components; Task4) Synthesis: Combine the results of the first three tasks to determine the range of applicability of the method, identify the steps needed for maturation of the concept, and explore concepts for a pilot muography mission.

Prettyman, Thomas H.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Investigation of primary cosmic rays at the Moon's surface

The possibility of experimentally studying primary cosmic rays at the Moon's surface is considered. A mathematical simulations of showers initiated in the lunar regolith by high-energy particles of primary cosmic rays is performed. It is shown that such particles can in principle be recorded by simultaneously detecting three components of backscattered radiation (secondary neutrons, gamma rays, and radio emission).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1985

Observed antiprotons and energy dependent confinement of cosmic rays: A conflict?

In the frame work of energy dependent confinement for cosmic rays, the energy spectrum inside the source is flatter than that observed. Antiproton observation suggests large amount of matter is being traversed by cosmic rays in some sources. As a result, secondary particles are produced in abundance. Their spectra was calculated and it is shown that the energy dependent confinement model is in conflict with some observations.

Stephens, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Nineteenth International Cosmic Ray Conference. SH Sessions, Volume 5

Papers submitted for presentation at the 19th International Cosmic Ray Conference are compiled. This volume contains papers addressing cosmic ray gradients in the heliosphere; siderial, diurnal, and long term modulations; geomagnetic and atmospheric effects; cosmogenic nuclides; solar neutrinos; and detection techniques.

Jones, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Relativistic heavy cosmic rays

During three balloon flights of a 1 sq m sr ionization chamber/Cerenkov counter detector system, measurements were made of the atmospheric attenuation, flux, and charge composition of cosmic ray nuclei with 16 is less than or = Z is less than or = 30 and rigidity greater than 4.5 GV. The attenuation mean free path in air of VH (20 less than or = Z less than or = 30) nuclei is found to be 19.7 + or - 1.6 g/sq cm, a value somewhat greater than the best previous measurement. The attenuation mean free path of iron is found to be 15.6 + or - 2.2 g/sq cm, consistent with predictions of geometric cross-section formulae. An absolute flux of VH nuclei 10 to 20% higher than earlier experiments at similar geomagnetic cutoff and level of solar activity was measured. The relative abundances of even-charged nuclei are found to be in good agreement with results of other recent high resolution counter experiments. The observed cosmic ray chemical composition implies relative abundances at the cosmic ray source of Ca/Fe = 0.12 + or - 0.04 and S/Fe = 0.14 + or - 0.05.

Mewaldt, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Cosmic-ray gradients from Pioneer-10 and Pioneer-11

The paper reports Pioneer 10 and 11 observations of the variation with heliocentric distance of the intensity of cosmic-ray protons, alpha particles, and high-Z nuclei with kinetic energies of at least 480 MeV/nucleon as well as cosmic-ray electrons with energies exceeding 6 MeV. The observations were with three-channel Cerenkov counters at distances between 1.02 and 4.66 AU while the spacecraft traveled from earth to Jupiter. During the 4.5-month observation period, all the counting rates rose steadily, except when they were modified by solar events, Forbush decreases, and Jovian electron events. Two methods are employed to determine the cosmic-ray integral intensity gradient for the observation period from simultaneous data obtained by the two spacecraft; effects of solar particles, Forbush decreases, and Jovian electrons are eliminated in various ways. A radial gradient of 0.15 + or - 2.3% per AU is determined, which is considered to be consistent with zero. Theoretical gradients are computed, and the observed values are found to be an order of magnitude below the expected values. Several reasons for the discrepancy are suggested.

Axford, W. I.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Effects of drift on the transport of cosmic rays. IV - Modulation by a wavy interplanetary current sheet

The effect of a wavy interplanetary current sheet on the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays is studied. A simple model of the heliospheric magnetic field is employed in which there is an Archimedean spiral magnetic field directed in one direction above the current sheet and another direction below. The current sheet itself is taken to be the extension by the solar wind of a surface that, at the sun, is a plane inclined at an angle alpha to the solar equator. Two magnetic sectors will therefore be seen by an observer within an angle alpha of the heliographic equator. A simple approximate model is used to investigate modulation. As the tilt angle alpha is increased from zero, it is found that the cosmic-ray intensity decreases. For reasonable variation of alpha from approximately 10 deg to approximately 30 deg, the change in intensity can be compared to that observed as one goes from solar minimum to solar maximum. It is concluded that changes in the waviness of the interplanetary current sheet can have an important, and perhaps dominant, effect in producing solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays.

Jokipii, J. R.↗
DOE OSTI2015

High-latitude, transluscent molecular clouds as probes of local cosmic rays

We analyze the gamma ray emission from nine high latitude, translucent molecular clouds taken with the Fermi Large Area Telescope between 250 MeV and 10 GeV. Observations of gamma rays allow us to probe the density and spectrum of cosmic rays in the solar neighborhood. The clouds studied lie within ∼270 pc from the Sun and are selected from the Planck all-sky CO map. Gamma rays in this energy range mostly result from cosmic-ray interactions with the interstellar medium, which is traced with three components: H i, CO, and dark gas. Every cloud is detected and shows significant, extended gamma ray emission from molecular gas. The gamma ray emission is dominated by the CO-emitting gas in some clouds, but by the CO-dark gas in others. The average emissivity and gamma ray power law index from H i above 1 GeV shows no evidence of a systematic variation. The CO-to-H{sub 2} conversion factor shows no variation between clouds over this small spatial range, but shows significant variations within each cloud. The average CO-to-H{sub 2} conversion factor suggests that the CO-dark gas is molecular as opposed to optically thick H i.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗