Enhanced interplanetary magnetic fields as the cause of Forbush decreasesA strong correlation is observed between neutron monitor variations and variations in the interplanetary magnetic field intensity. It is thought that the cosmic ray intensity depressions are caused by perpendicular gradient drifts. The perpendicular gradient drift velocity for particles with energies exceeding 500 MeV in a magnetic field configuration produced by a representative stream is at least a few times the solar wind velocity. Thus particles can be swept away from the ecliptic by such a blob faster than the blob advances. It is suggested that this mechanism might be the cause of Forbush decreases and other cosmic ray variations near 1 AU.
Document ID
19760043946
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Burlaga, L. F. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Barouch, E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)