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NMDB: Real-Time database for high resolution
Neutron Monitor measurements
Grant Agreement Number 213007
Combination of Collaborative Project and
Coordination and Support Action
SCIENCE-EDUCATION POTENTIAL OF NMDB
FOR HIGH SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
L. Pustil’nik
Israel Cosmic Rays and Space Weather Center, July 20, 2009
Israel Cosmic Ray and Space Weather Center
& Emilio Segre' Israel-Italy Observatory
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CONTENT
DOCUMENT INFORMATION (TABLE) ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1.
Preamble. .................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2.
General Scheme ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.3.
USER’S component of General Scheme .................................................................................. 5
2. Possible projects for science education in space research, based on the using of NMDB............ 7
2.1. Basic Approach.............................................................................................................................. 7
2.2. Examples of possible science-educational projects, based on potential using of NMDB data ..... 7
3. DEPOSITARY of science-educational scenarios of research project on CR themes, based on
NMDB data (CR-ASTROTOP)............................................................................................................. 8
3.1. Initial Level: Construction of self-made cloud chamber camera for direct observations of real
CR and study of their properties........................................................................................................... 9
3.2. Advanced Level: CR-ASTROTOP PROJECTS: Variations of CR as probe of space influences
from the Earth atmosphere and up to solar heliosphere. .................................................................... 11
3.2.1. PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF ATMOSPHERIC MODULATION OF CR
FLUX AND RESTORE PARAMETERS OF UNDISTORED CR FLUX CORRECTED FOR
ATMOSHERIV EFFECTS”........................................................................................................... 12
3.2.2.
PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF 1-DAY MODULATION OF CR FLUX
CAUSED BY THE EARTH ROTATION IN ASSYMENTRIC MAGNETOSPHERIC
ENVIRONMENT” ......................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.3.
PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF 28-DAY MODULATION OF CR FLUX
CAUSED BY SOLAR ROTATION” ............................................................................................ 14
3. 2.4.
PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF CR MODULATIONS CAUSED BY “11-
YEAR” CYCLE OF SOLAR ACTIVITY”.................................................................................... 15
3. 2.5.
PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF CR RESPONSE ON STRONG SOLAR
FLARES AS PART OF SPACE WEATHER POSTFLARE STORM”........................................ 16
4. Appendix A: Data collection from European Neutron Monitor Data Base (NMDB). ............... 17
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Science-Education Potential of NMDB for High Schools
and Universities
1. Introduction
1.1. Preamble.
Modern education is based on the absorption by student of knowledge about the world and its laws
accumulated before by humanity, its structuring and hierarchy. This way considered as most effective
for fast navigation in ocean of information, mastering of necessary automatically or half-automatically
methods of its analysis and estimations. In really, pupils and students as participants of educational
process act as “users”-“consumers” and teachers in the frame of the standard educational process act as
suppliers of the service. The main tasks for final exams/tests in this system of education is compilation
of some of results, obtained by another researchers, or ) compilation of reviews of results, or even (as
culmination of this standard way) compilation of reviews of reviews of results.
What is terrible in this all accepted and wide realized method of education? The problem is in
catastrophically helplessness of prepared specialist-professional, when he meet with new class of
problem, don’t described in books, what he read before and not studied by him in high schoolUniversity. In other words, specialist, prepared on the basis of standard approach as a good executor of
standard operations is not able to find new solution in fast changed situation.
Alternative approach (creative pedagogic) focus on ability of pupil-student to independent study
of surrounded world, independent discovery of the laws, which control this world and, as result,
independent creation of methods/algorithms/patents for search of answers on his questions,
dynamically transformed in accordance with new conditions and demands.
The creative approach is based on the independent research project as a basic unit of study. This
method use universal sequence of research activity (impression from observation of new phenomena,
questions about its nature; generation of several alternative hypothesis about its origin; proposal and
realization of possible experimental/observational tests, rejected all incorrect hypothesizes and filtering
only one from all as the most correct approximation to answer about real nature of phenomena; critical
analysis of results of experiments/observations/numerical simulations and formulation of final
conclusions). We use creative approach in science educational programs ASTROTOP and
BLOSSOMS OF SCIENCE developed in Israel and successfully realized in science-educational
practice, based on students K-12 independent research projects in astronomy, astrophysics and space
research.
What aspects of this approach may be interesting for NeutronMonitorDataBase (NMDB) project?
1. First of all, NMDB, as open source of real observational data on cosmic rays may work as one from
research instruments for realization of natural interest of pupils, teachers, students and amateurs to
astrophysics (cosmic ray (CR) is, without doubts, part of astrophysical objects). NMDB may present
real observational data for this group of potential users for generation of independent research projects
in the field of Science Education.
2. Second: observed CR is object sensitive to medium of propagation. It converts them in unique object
for diagnostic state of these mediums: from interstellar clouds and fields in our Galaxy and solar wind
with its turbulence up to the nearest Earth environment (magnetosphere and atmosphere). Complex of
the questions about direct influence of the medium on propagation of CR and, in opposite, influence of
CR on the medium is object of potential applications for future participants of science educational
projects on CR themes, based on NMDB data.
3. Third: one from the most attractive themes for amateurs and students K12 is potential influence of
Space Weather on daily life of “mortal people”. Data of NMDB about CR impact for most strong solar
flares (GLE, impact of proton flares on radiation background in nearest space and high atmosphere)
may be interesting and useful for this part of potential users from science-education group.
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1.2. General Scheme
Next scheme (Fig.1.) describes our vision of the scheme of interaction of participants NMDB
(observational sites) with database itself and with potential users. Very essential element of this
scheme is depositary of elementary projects for science educational programs, used NMDB ad source
of observational data
http://nest.nmdb.eu
Observational site “1”
Observational site “2”
Observational site “…”
Observational site “n”
http://cosmicrays.oulu.fi/nmdbinfo/
Interest to science education
(Astronomy, Physics, Space
Research (partly to Space
Weather))
Request of data
through INTERNET
ACCES to NMDB
site:
User1
User2
http://nest.nmdb.eu
Interest to science research
in Space Research, Space
Weather, Solar Activity
User3
User…
User…n
Wished
Depositary of ASTROTOP-like scenarios of
possible projects in CR-Space Weather fields
with scheme of data receiving and sequence of
action (in open mode for research initiatives of
users: students K12, students of universities,
amateurs, and teachers))
Fig. 1. General Scheme of NMDB using by potential
users (for researchers and educational aims)
Additional databases on space weather activity
(sun, space, magnetosphere, ionosphere, …) like
to SPIDR of NOAO
http://spidr.ngdc.noaa.gov/spidr/
Additional databases on Solar Activity from SOHO,
ACE, GOES …
http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtimeimages.html
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/today.html
Lower we will attempt to describe individual elements of this scheme:
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1.3. USER’S component of General Scheme
Interest to science education
(Astronomy, Physics)
User1
User2
Interest to science education
(Space Research)
User3
User…
INTERFACE for
request of necessary
data from existed
NMDB and SPIDR
databases
Databases
User…n
Depositary of ASTROTOP-like scenarios of
possible projects in CR-Space Weather fields
with scheme of data receiving and sequence of
action (in open mode for research initiatives of
users: students K12, students of universities,
amateurs, and teachers))
Fig. 2. USER’s component of the general scheme
of NMDB using.
User’s population may be divided in two absolutely different groups:
•
Inner (professional) users: members of NMDB consortium, another professional scientist, need
in CR data both from archive of NMDB and in real time mode for study of space weather and
another space research (see Fig.1.).
External (amateurs) users (see Fig.2.): This population includes, first of all, students of
graduate classes of high school (K12) specialized in exact/natural science and interested in
participation in scientific research in astrophysics and/or in space research. The potential of
this group is very large and modern reform of high school education program, included in
possibility of independent scientific-educational projects for advanced pupils will extend
number of potential users in future more and more.
Very essential aspect of this application of NMDB is open Internet access to NMDB and other
databases, what allow using it by teachers and students from development countries of Asia and
Africa. For these countries it may allow to stimulate their educational systems to progress and to using
of modern technology of science education.
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Users from NMDB consortium may be considered as part of the first group (professional users).
Other potential users from this group are independent researchers from space research and space
weather research (both specialists in fundamental research and specialists in space weather application
to safety of space and earth equipment sensitive to CR and space weather factor). This group has their
own professional scientific motivation to using NMDB, they are much more prepared to work with
databases in general and with remote databases partly. The users have preliminary experience and
almost does not need in help from database administrator. Evidently, that this group is need too in
transparence and friendly organized interface for formation of their requests and receiving necessary
data in acceptable format (ASCII, .CSV, .XLS, …).
The second part of potential users of our database is pupils and students, which prepare their
graduate diploma: K12 level of high school, students of universities and colleges specialized in
education and research in astronomy, space research, geophysics, physics of atmosphere, Earth
environment. For involvement of this population to scientific research activity in form of student
research project:
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We must stimulate their interest to future research project and to research activity itself.
Stimulation may be both informal and formal. Informal stimulation caused by resonance
response on popular TV programs (like to “Discovery”) or on popular Hollywood production
on science fiction theme like to “Deep Impact”, “After-tomorrow” and “Armageddon” , and
information in newspapers (“News of Science”), popular literature, or something like. Formal
stimulation is produced by bonus in the form of special additional points in graduated diploma,
increased level of diploma and chance of graduated student to success in future competition in
school, universities or college). For example, participants in ASTROTOP program in Israel
may obtain as bonus from 2 up to 4 additional points to result of Physics graduate exam
(maximal level of points for standard Physics course is 5, so student has chance to increase it
almost twice). Similar practice of support of scientific education projects of K12 and college
students exist in USA too.
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We must prepare for this group of young researchers some library (depositary) of
possible projects focused on scientific fields, potentially interesting for student-researcher.
Evidently, that astrophysics and space research have some advantage in this field, caused by a)
intuitive natural interest of all people to world around us, and b) extremely high accessibility of
observational data, necessary for young researcher project (both from digital archives of virtual
observatories like to SLOAN survey or SPIDR, and from almost real time access to
observations from SOHO, ACE). For educational aims is very essentially that this accessibility
of observational matter cover not only archive observational data, but real time (almost real
time) data too, especially for solar and space activity fields.
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We must create necessary databases and friendly, user oriented interface for work with
these databases. The last condition is not evident usually for specialists, are not enabled to
understand giant abyss between their levels of professionals and levels of amateur users.
Absence of friendly and intuitive transparence interface may devaluate result of giant work on
creation and development of database itself, because after 1-2 unsuccessful attempt to obtain
necessary data for research project, young scientist (amateur) will “vote by lags”, avoid this
database and will not never use it in future or to recommend it to somebody. Our accusations of
them in absence of knowledge and experience with something like to SQL-protocol will not
back this numerous population of potential users to using of our product “CR data from
NMDB”.
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2. Possible projects for science education in space research,
based on the using of NMDB.
2.1. Basic Approach
Since European Neutron Monitors Data Base (www.nmdb.eu) is source (from definition) of
observational data about cosmic ray, next chapter will describe CR component of educational projects,
what are realized in different countries, participants of NMDB and may be integrated to NMDB
project itself.
Possible projects connected with CR theme may be classified in correspondence to intuitive
questions what arise in student’s mind after first acquaintance with CR thematic:
• What is CR? Is it possible to see it by eyes or to touch it by hand? Is it some science fictionabstraction or quite real thing? Is it possible to observe (touch) them with using of relatively
primitive and cheap experiment facilities of school physical laboratory or in home?
• What is source of CR and is it possible to identify them from direction of CR arrival? How CR
arrive to us?
• What are factors of distortion of primary CR on the way to us and what are influences of
propagation factors on properties of observed CR? (Influence of atmosphere? ionosphere?
magnetosphere? space around the Earth? space in Solar System? solar activity and its
manifestation in heliosphere? stellar activity in the Sun neighborhood? nearest Supernova
explosions?). Is it possible to clean observed CR data from distortions-influences and to restore
primary state of CR? Is it possible to use measurements of distortion factors for restoration of the
state of the sources of primary CR distortions (atmosphere, magnetosphere, heliosphere, solar
activity)
Evidently that answers on some questions from this list can not obtain by students absolutely
independently, even they will use all accessible databases. Students are need for this work in support
of supervisors (scientists and/or teachers), especially on the initial state of the project. From the other
side, most part from students, interested in participation on science-education research project are quite
able (from our experience in ASTROTOP and “Blossoms of Science”) to formulate question of
research, to understand key problem of the field of research and to generate hypothesis about possible
answers on questions of research. Most part of modern students are able to work with Internet
database, to collect from them observational data and to analyze them with help of standard software,
like to EXCEL.
2.2. Examples of possible science-educational projects, based on
potential using of NMDB data:
1. Construction of self-made cloud chamber camera with direct observations of real CR by
eyes of student-researcher and primary analysis of observed CR properties – “first touch to
CR by student hands”
2. Set of the projects with analysis of regular variations of observed CR flux (obtained from
NMDB resource) on times hours-days-month-year-tens years-hundreds years for identification
of the sequence of influences of propagation mediums “earth atmosphere – earth
magnetosphere – solar rotation – solar activity – long time modulation of solar activity).
3. Set of projects on search of short time (minutes-hours) CR variations detected from
NMDB resource for identification of sporadic short time disturbances of the Earth
environment by strong solar flares (Forbush decreasing, GLE, magnetic storms, associated
with CR impact). These projects may include using of “real time data” of NMDB for
development by student methods of forecasting of future CR impacts on the base of student’s
ideas and criteria.
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Interest to science education
(Astronomy, Physics, Space
Research (partly to Space
Weather))
User1
User2
Interest to science research
in Space Research, Space
Weather, SolarActivity
User3
User…
User…n
DEPOSITARY of ASTROTOP-like scenarios
of possible projects in CR-Space Weather
fields with scheme of data receiving and
sequence of action (in open mode for research
initiatives of users: students K12, students of
universities, amateurs, and teachers))
Fig. 3. Depositary’ component of the general scheme of NMDB using.
3. DEPOSITARY of science-educational scenarios of research
project on CR themes, based on NMDB data (CR-ASTROTOP)
Very essential and even necessary part of this educational approach is depositary of
scenarios for possible projects.
Main content of these scenarios is formulation of the key question of possible research
necessary for proposal of few possible ways of solution of the problem; description of Internet
sources of observational data and software/algorithms of data collections; recommendation of
possible ways of data analysis and testing of proposed hypothesis. Each scenario must be formed
as nuclear of future research, what open access to data and give examples of possible ways to
solution, but conserve options for independent initiatives of student-researcher both in generation
of ideas about nature of object, and in its own approach to data analysis and to search of new
relations and effects in observational data. The saving of correct proportion between prepared
nuclear of project and stimulation of independent ideas and hypothesis of student in search of his
own new ways is basic element of ASTROTOP approach to science education. It means that from
the one side these scenarios must not describe in details all steps of research work, as instruction
and description of laboratory works in school or in universities. From another side prepared
ASTROTP project must include necessary basic matter (background, description of basic problem
and possible ways to their solution; instruction-description on access to necessary observational
data in INTERNET databases). This component is necessary for help to student-researcher to
income in the new field of notions and methods and to study, how to use it.
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As illustrations we present here examples of few science-educational projects in the frame of CR –
ASTROTOP:
3.1. Initial Level: Construction of self-made cloud chamber camera for
direct observations of real CR and study of their properties.
The idea to create homemade cloud chamber for direct observations of CR by pupils and
students and reproduction of famous Wilson camera experiment is realized already in few scienceeducational center (CERN (http://www.cosmicrays.org/muon-cloud-chamber.php ), Jefferson Lab in
USA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvN54Jo7Cs8&NR=1 ), Edinburgh Science-educational
center in Scotland (ideo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piOI1tBQaIo)). It is very simple in construction
and is available for pupils of 14-18 years.
The price of components of these self made cloud chambers does not exceed 100$, what is
acceptable for most schools in Europe and even for schools in development countries.
Detailed descriptions are in corresponding Internet resources (see lower) both as standard descriptions
and as video-demonstrations of all stages of construction and of observation of different tracks of CR
of different energies with different cases of interaction of CR with nuclear in atmosphere of camera.
Fig. 4. CERN home-made cloud chamber camera for demonstration of CR tracks during Open Days of
CERN (http://teachers.web.cern.ch/teachers/document/cloud-final.pdf ) with demonstration in
http://www.cosmicrays.org/muon-cloud-chamber.php
Fig.5. Demonstration of particles tracks from radioactive element in home-made cloud chamber in
JeffersnLab.
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Fig.6. The 18 year old pupil at Mary Erskine School in Edinburgh, made her own cosmic ray detector and won
the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair's (ISEF) First Award for physics and astronomy (details may
be seen in video above-right from link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piOI1tBQaIo from 1 min 20 sec position
of video record.
Set of the necessary elements for construction of homemade cloud chamber is
(from DUSEL Workshop in Colorado School of Mines of Colorado State
University -http://crop.unl.edu/claes/HUSEP/CloudChamberPlans.doc) very
cheap (< 100$) and includes:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Glass bowl or aquarium
Metal bowl (to match the glass bowl or aquarium) painted black inside.
Rope caulk
Vinyl tape
Cloth glued to the inside of the glass bowl
Isopropyl alcohol (for the vapor)
Insulated box with dry ice
Light source to see the tracks. A bright, tight beam works best.
Fig 7. Cheap
homemade cloud
chamber
We may ask ourselves, what is mean in using of primitive homemade construction for CR observation,
when we may demonstrate to students much more impressible images of numerous tracks from big
professional chambers?
First of all, result, obtained by student himself in equipment, constructed by his hands is much more
reliable for him as for author of discovery. Secondly, this camera opens abilities for numerous microprojects, what may use this hand-made cloud chamber as basic element:
• Classification of the observed tracks on elastic scattering, random walk, generation of
secondary CR particles,
• Study of isotropy of CR tracks in the projection plane,
• Study of effect of absorption of CR in the external absorber (lead) and its influence on
asymmetry of tracks.
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3.2. Advanced Level: CR-ASTROTOP PROJECTS: Variations of CR as
probe of space influences from the Earth atmosphere and up to solar
heliosphere.
Background. For this group of project necessary to give to student background on origin of high
energy component of CR (in Supernova explosions) and their diffusion propagation through Galaxy
caused by effective scattering on magnetic inhomogeneities. It is necessary to note the fundamental
sequence of the diffusion nature of CR propagation is high isotropy of primary CR1 and very high
stability of their primary flux in time.
Processes of CR propagation to the Earth through solar wind (SW) with its magnetic fields and
turbulence, magnetosphere and atmosphere of the Earth are sources of variations of CR flux in time
from minutes to hundred years. Study of these variations may allow to separate different kinds of
influences, to diagnostic state of surrounded medium and to restore primary state of CR.
Next scheme illustrates this approach and possible using of variations of CR:
Propagation along regular spiral magnetic field
of solar wind with effective scattering
(diffusion) on magnetic inhomogeneities of
SW. Sensitivity to effects of regular solar
rotation (month), regular solar activity (“11year”) and sporadic solar flares and CMECoronal Mass Ejections ( minutes-hours)
Propagation of CR particles in the asymmetry
Earth magnetosphere with different Larmor
radius depended on rigidity (momentum) of CR
particles. Precipitation of CR particles into the
Earth atmosphere along magnetic fields.
Sensitivity to the daily Earth rotation in
asymmetry magnetospheric cocoon.
Propagation of CR through the Earth
atmosphere with generation of cascad of
secondary particles (CR shower) in collisions
with nuclear of atmospheric atoms. Formation
of neutron (neutral) secondary CR component,
and its next absorption in the Earth atmosphere.
Sensitivity of resulted CR observed on the Earth
ground level to atmospheric absorption in air
mass above (dependence on atmospheric
pressure, height, temperature, wind).
Primary CR Flux:
permanent, stable and
isotropy
CR on the boundary of the Earth
magnetosphere (variability of flux
and anisotropy caused by asymmetry
of Heliosphere and solar wind, solar
rotation, solar activity cycle, sporadic
solar flares and other factors )
Observed flux of secondary CR
Fobs-cr, distorted by influence of
numerous effects of propagation
CR through Earth magnetosphere
and atmosphere, generated
additional variability of flux and
anisotropy.
Fig.8. CR-ASTROTOP approach and possible using of
variations of CR
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This effect (isotropisation of CR flux in result of few elastic scattering may be simulate by simple EXCEL presentation,
demonstrated fast increasing of isotropisation with number of scattering).
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3.2.1. PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF ATMOSPHERIC MODULATION
OF CR FLUX AND RESTORE PARAMETERS OF UNDISTORED CR FLUX
CORRECTED FOR ATMOSHERIV EFFECTS”.
Potential users: students K-12 (participants of science-education projects in schools and colleges,
students of universities in astrophysics, space physics and space research faculties, interested in
CR/Space Weather graduate projects)
Aim: To discover influence of Earth atmosphere (generation of secondary particles and its partly
absorption) on observed CR flux with restoration of undisturbed state of CR before absorption.
Method: Comparison of variations of observed uncorrected CR flux Fobs-cr for several CR stations
(located on different heights) with variations of atmospheric pressure Patm(sensitive to air mass of
atmosphere above observational site); search of relation between Fobs-cr and Patm (regression and
correlation analysis with using of simplest EXCEL functions; calculation of regression coefficients
for different stations and estimation of expected CR flux for zero pressure (flux outside from
atmosphere): Fcr(Patm=0).
Observational data: collection of 1-h data of original (non-corrected) CR flux and atmospheric
pressure from different CR stations, located on different heights, latitudes, and longitudes through
Internet site of NMDB (instruction is in application) - http://nest.nmdb.eu
Conclusions and discussion: Student–researcher has to formulate his conclusions about possible
relation between CR flux (type of the best regression and its parameters, possible dependence of
regression coefficients from location and height of selected CR stations). Discussion about level of
agreement results of analysis with expected for standard model of CR in the Earth atmosphere,
proposals for future tests for search of another factors of influence on CR in the Earth atmosphere
(wind, temperature variations) and its possible effects and possible test of effect existence.
Fig.9. Cosmic Ray shower production of secondary CR particles – left; anti-correlation in
variations of atmospheric pressure – absorption (black) and CR flux (blue) - blue
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3.2.2. PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF 1-DAY MODULATION OF CR
FLUX CAUSED BY THE EARTH ROTATION IN ASSYMENTRIC
MAGNETOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT”
Potential users: students K-12 of high school (participants of science-education projects), students
of universities in astrophysics, space physics, space research faculties interested in CR/Space
Weather graduate project.
Aim: To discover influence of asymmetry magnetosphere on observed CR-flux from daily
variations caused by the Earth rotation in the asymmetric magnetic cocoon of magnetosphere,
restoration of undisturbed state.
Method: search in variations of corrected CR flux Fcorr-cr (cleaned from atmospheric distortion
effects (see above)) for several CR stations with different magnetic latituds) periodic “sin”-like
daily component. Estimation of the amplitude of 1-d variations and of permanent components of
corrected CR flux by fitting of simple numerical model with EXCEL or MATLAB software,
search of dependence of 1-d periodical variations on magnetic latitude of observational site;
comparison of 1-d variability observed in different phase of solar activity (corresponding to
different states of solar wind and to different asymmetry of form of magnetospheric cocoon).
Comparison of discovered 1-d CR variations with daily variation of the local magnetic field (for
CR stations, included facilities for observations of local magnetic field with magnetometer).
Observational data: collection of 1-h corrected data from different CR stations, located on
different latitudes, and longitudes through Internet site of NMDB (instruction is in application)
http://nest.nmdb.eu
Conclusions and discussion: Student-researcher has to formulate conclusion about detected 1-d
component of CR-variations, to give possible explanation of them, to propose possible tests of
“magnetospheric” model of discovered 1-d variations by comparison of expected dependence from
magnetic latitude and phase of solar activity with observed.
Fig.10. Daily Cosmic Ray variation (observation of
IZMIRAN, May-July, 2009) – above; rotated Earth in
asymmetric magnetosphere - down
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3.2.3. PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF 28-DAY MODULATION OF CR
FLUX CAUSED BY SOLAR ROTATION”
Potential users: students K-12 of high school (participants of science-education projects, students
of universities in astrophysics, space physics, space research faculties, interested in CR/Space
Weather graduate project)
Aim: To discover manifestations of 28-d solar rotation through modulation of solar wind and earth
magnetosphere caused by longitude inhomogeneity of solar corona (coronal holes) and solar wind.
Method: Selection data from few CR stations on different magnetic latitudes in period of low solar
activity (nein minimum of solar activity), identification of chains of 28-d variations of corrected
CR flux in selected periods, compare phase of observed 28-d CR variation with location of coronal
holes on the surface of Sun and with high velocity streams in solar wind origin from these coronal
holes.
Observational data: collection of 1-h or 1-d corrected data from different CR stations from few
CR observatories, located on different heights, latitudes, and longitudes through Internet site of
NMDB http://nest.nmdb.eu (instruction is in application).
Conclusions and discussion: Student-researcher has to formulate conclusion about detected 28day component of CR-variations; to give possible explanation connected this effect with 28-d solar
rotation; to discuss phase delay and to propose possible explanations of the mechanisms of 28-d
modulations; to explain predomination of quite Sun state as most adequate for identification of the
28-d modulation effect; to discuss sensitivity of this variations to phase of solar activity.
27d- variations of Cosmic rays
Flux(Moscow)
Model-27d
9500 Flux(Ohulu)
6650
6600
Cosmic Ray Flux
9400
6550
6500
9300
6450
9200
6400
6350
9100
6300
9000
6250
0
27
54
81
108
135
162
189
days from 01 November-1996
Rotated sun and solar wind
Fig.11. Daily Cosmic Ray variation (observation of OHULU, IZMIAN and “sin”-like model
with period 27 days ( 01 November 1996 – 01 May 1997) – left; rotated Sun with uninformed
inner sector-like spiral structures of solar wind - right
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3. 2.4.
PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF CR MODULATIONS
CAUSED BY “11-YEAR” CYCLE OF SOLAR ACTIVITY”
Potential users: students K-12 of high school (participants of science-education projects), students
of universities in astrophysics, space physics, space research faculties, interested in CR/Space
Weather graduate projects).
Aim: To discover manifestations of “11-year” solar activity cycle in variation of CR flux caused
by modulation of solar wind during cycle and by modulation of diffusion of CR from Galaxy
through solar wind to the Earth.
Method: Selection data of few CR stations during long time period (20-40 years) included all
states of solar activity (both minimums and maximums of solar cycle), comparison of CR flux
variation with variations of solar activity (sunspot number); discover “11-year” modulation of CR
flux synchronized with solar activity cycle, but shifted in phase to opposite phases (anti-correlation
between CR flux and sunspot number). Proposal of possible explanation of observed anticorrelation between CR flux and sunspot number with generation of possible test-experiments.
Observational data: collection of 1-h corrected data from different CR stations from few CR
observatories, located on different heights latitudes, and longitudes through Internet site of NMDB
http://nest.nmdb.eu (instruction is in application).
Conclusions and discussion: Student-researcher has to formulate conclusion about detected “11year” solar cycle component of CR-variations; to give possible explanation of observed effect and
to connect it with solar wind modulations and change of conditions for propagations of CR from
Galaxy to Earth through the solar Heliosphere; to discuss phase shift between CR and sunspot
periodical variations; to fix systematical difference in CR-response for odd and even solar cycles.
Fig. 12. Anti-correlation of CR 11-year modulation and solar activity (sunspot number)
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3. 2.5.
PROJECT CR-ASTROTOP: “SEARCH OF CR RESPONSE ON STRONG
SOLAR FLARES AS PART OF SPACE WEATHER POSTFLARE STORM”
Potential users: students K-12 of high school (participants of science-education projects), students of
universities in astrophysics, space physics, space research faculties, interested in CR/Space Weather
graduate projects)
Aim: To discover post flare disturbances of CR-flux (include “Forbush decreasing” of galaxy CR and
GLE (Ground Level Enhancements) of solar cosmic ray. Restoration of causal sequences of post-flare
impact caused by propagation of solar cosmic ray from the Sun to the Earth and by disturbance of solar
wind by Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) and shock waves from flare; scattering flux of galaxy CR to
the Earth. Estimation of radiation impacts and fluency of CR radiation expected after giant solar flares
near the Earth and in the Earth environment.
Method: Selection data of few CR stations on different magnetic latitudes during short time
immediately after major flares; data from near Earth satellites about proton radiation with energies 10
Mev-500 Mev (GOES 10/11) with 1-m time resolution during 48 hours after strong flares, data on
magnetic storm sudden commencement (SSD) in the Earth magnetosphere caused by impact of
postflare CME and shock wave.
Identification in postflare CR flux variation effects of fast CR flux decreasing immediately before SSC
(Forbush decreasing) and classification of its forms and parameters, juxtaposition of Forbush
decreasing with SSC and magnetic storms, GLE and light curve of proton radiation in the Earth
environment.
Observational data: collection of 1-m corrected data from CR stations with different locations in
latitudes and longitude, 1-m data on proton radiation from GOES 10-11/12, 1-m data on magnetic field
disturbances, data on integrated parameters of solar activity (Ap, Kp) and moments of magnetic storms
starts (SSC). Main sources in Internet are NMDB - http://nest.nmdb.eu, SPIDR data base of NOAA
NGDC with data of CR, proton (GOES) and magnetic observations: http://spidr.ngdc.noaa.gov/spidr/
Conclusions and discussion: Student-researcher has to formulate conclusion about two component of
CR (high energy CR from Galaxy and low energy CR from solar flare); diffusion propagation of solar
CR from flare to the Earth through solar wind with turbulent magnetic field; response of galaxy cosmic
rays on disturbance of post-flare solar wind by CME and shock waves with formation of “Forbush
decreasing” and another post-flare effects; to compare response of different CR stations on flare with
different time delay and amplitude of response for different stations and to explain observed difference
and its anisotropy. Proposal of possible ways to forecast of CR post-flare impact is wishing.
Estimation of radiation impact and its possible negative influence on astronauts, satellite’s equipment,
and radiation in high atmosphere is wishing too.
Fig. 13. Response of galactic CR (“Forbush decreasing”) after strong solar flare 28.11.2003 (left)
from Kiel CR NM; Coronal Mass Ejection – source of solar wind disturbance after this flare (SOHO)
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4. Appendix A: Data collection from European Neutron Monitor
Data Base (NMDB).
For data collection from NMDB (www.nmdb.eu) potential user must open internet page NEST = “NMDB
Event Search Tools” ( nest.nmdb.eu (see lower):
1.
Your must in this page a) to select name of the CR station/stations – sources of data; b) time interval
of observation, what you want download; c) type of observational data what you are interested (corrected,
uncorrected, pressure), d) from what NMDB database you want to download data (1 hour, original, revised);
e) format of output data (plot, ascii-file, plot & ascii). In principle for “original” data you may change time
resolution in corresponding window. After choice of all parameters of data download you must click
“Submit”
2.
Form of output: you may use “plot” output for preliminary test of output and visual search of
interested effects in obtained plot (lower is imaged, as example, output of uncorrected flux CR and pressure
for Moscow NM (evident anti-correlation is seen directly, what may be used for CR-ASTROTOP project
2.1. “SEARCH OF ATMOSPHERIC MODULATION OF CR FLUX” (see lower graphic output and
data (ASCII) output.
2008-01-01
2008-01-01
2008-01-01
2008-01-01
2008-01-01
2008-01-01
2008-01-01
2008-01-01
2008-01-02
2008-01-02
2008-01-02
2008-01-02
2008-01-02
2008-01-02
2008-01-03
MOSC
00:00:00;236.550
01:00:00;237.550
07:00:00;237.350
08:00:00;238.000
14:00:00;236.100
15:00:00;237.250
21:00:00;236.450
22:00:00;238.250
04:00:00;237.280
05:00:00;237.850
11:00:00;236.350
12:00:00;237.430
18:00:00;236.200
19:00:00;237.080
01:00:00;237.030
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3. Another source of necessary data on solar and magnetospheric activity (accompanied to CR
variations detected with NMDB) is popular database SPIDR (Space Physics Interactive Database)
of NOAA NGDC (see copy of the html-page lower):http://spidr.ngdc.noaa.gov/spidr/
For access to this database you may use my login/password (lev/levpust) or to open your independent
login/password through “registration” button. After incoming to SPIDR you must select time interval
of observations, what you are interested and to click “Data Sets” for selection of data sets what you
would like to download (see copy of the html-page lower):
You may select data from:
Geomagnetic Indexes: Aa, Am,Ap,C9,Cp,DST,Kp,Solar Radio flux, Sunspot number (1932-2009)
Solar Data: Sunspot number (1700-2009), sunspot group number (1610-1995), radio flux1947-2009)
Cosmic Ray Data from 147 stations, geomagnetic minute data, ionosphere data, data from GOES
space telescopes and monitors of X-ray, proton and electron fluxes and magnetic field of the
Earth.
All SPIDR data may be downloading to user both in ASCII mode (zipped file) and in MATLAB plot.
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