The composition of low-energy cosmic rays in 1965

Abstract

Primary cosmic-ray energy spectra and charge composition have been measured during the 1965 period of solar modulation minimum. A dE/dx vs. E type of scintillator–photomultiplier detector on board the eccentric-orbiting NASA spacecraft OGO-I was used. The charge composition was measured through neon over an energy range of 25 to 200 MeV/nucleon, depending upon the specific component. The spectra for all groups are nearly flat during this time, with the oxygen flux at about 0.005 nucleus/(M²-sr-s-MeV/nucleon). The relative abundances found are Li, 0.27; Be, 0.11; B, 0.37; C, 1.20; N, 0.30; O 1.00; F, [Formula: see text]; Ne, 0 12 An L/M ratio of 0.30 ± 0.06 is found.