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Observations of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons using an imaging calorimeterA ballon-borne magnet spectrometer system was flown for 5.5 hr at an altitude of more than 117,00 feet from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan (Canada), on 1989 September 5, when the Newark neutron monitor rate was 2952. The instrument was a modified version of the one used to observe antiprotons in 1979. The most significant modification was the addition of an imaging calorimeter, 7.33 radiation lengths thick. Inclusion of the calorimeter has significantly improved the ability to distinguish electrons and positrons from the other constituents of the cosmic rays. The absolute electron flux has been determined in the energy interval 1.3-26 GeV. The electron spectrum at the top of the atmosphere was found to be J(sub e-) = 177E(exp -(3.15+/-0.13)) electrons/ sq m/(sr s GeV) in the energy range 4.0-26 GeV. Below 4 GeV, the spectrum showed flattening, which is consistent with the effect of solar modulation. The e(+)/(e(+)+e(-)) ratio was found to be (0.11 +/- 0.03) in the energy range 5.2-13 GeV.
Document ID
19950037410
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Golden, R. L.
(New Mexico St. Univ. Las Cruces, NM, United States)
Grimani, C.
(New Mexico St. Univ. Las Cruces, NM, United States)
Kimbell, B. L.
(New Mexico St. Univ. Las Cruces, NM, United States)
Stephens, S. A.
(New Mexico St. Univ. Las Cruces, NM, United States)
Stochaj, S. J.
(New Mexico St. Univ. Las Cruces, NM, United States)
Webber, W. R.
(New Mexico St. Univ. Las Cruces, NM, United States)
Basini, G.
(Laboratori Nazionali INFN Frascati, Italy)
Bongiorno, F.
(Laboratori Nazionali INFN Frascati, Italy)
Brancaccio, F. Massimo
(Laboratori Nazionali INFN Frascati, Italy)
Ricci, M.
(Laboratori Nazionali INFN Frascati, Italy)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 436
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
95A69009
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG1-10
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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