FastFind »   Lastname: doi:10.1029/ Year: Advanced Search  

AGU: Journal of Geophysical Research, Space Physics

 

Index Terms

  • Interplanetary Physics: Cosmic rays
  • Interplanetary Physics: Heliopause and solar wind termination
  • Interplanetary Physics: Pickup ions
  • Interplanetary Physics: Solar cycle variations
  • Interplanetary Physics: Energetic particles, heliospheric
Abstract
Cited By (6)
 

Abstract

Solar wind termination shock and heliosheath effects on the modulation of protons and antiprotons

U. W. Langner

Unit for Space Physics, School of Physics, Potchefstroom University for CHE, Potchefstroom, South Africa

M. S. Potgieter

Unit for Space Physics, School of Physics, Potchefstroom University for CHE, Potchefstroom, South Africa

The interest in the role of the solar wind termination shock (TS) and heliosheath in cosmic ray modulation studies has increased significantly as the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft approach the estimated position of the TS. For this work the modulation of cosmic ray protons (p) and antiprotons (inline equation), and the consequent charge-sign dependence, is studied with a numerical model including a TS with diffusive shock acceleration, a heliosheath, and drifts. The model allows a comparison of modulation with and without a TS. A more fundamental and comprehensive set of diffusion coefficients is used, applicable to a number of cosmic ray species during both magnetic polarity cycles of the Sun. Newly computed and improved local interstellar spectra for p and inline equation are used. The modulation of p with an anomalous component is also done to establish charge-sign dependence at low energies. The modulation effects of the heliosheath and TS are illustrated for the different species and how they affect the computed inline equation/p. We found that the computed modulation for inline equation is surprisingly different from p and that the heliosheath is important for cosmic ray modulation. The local proton interstellar spectrum may not be known at energies <∼1 GeV until a spacecraft actually approaches the heliopause because of the strong modulation that occurs in the heliosheath, the effect of the TS, and the presence of anomalous protons. For antiprotons, in contrast, these effects are less pronounced.

Received 23 July 2003; accepted 23 October 2003; published 6 January 2004.

Citation: Langner, U. W., and M. S. Potgieter (2004), Solar wind termination shock and heliosheath effects on the modulation of protons and antiprotons, J. Geophys. Res., 109, A01103, doi:10.1029/2003JA010158.

Cited By

Please wait one moment ...