Forbush decreases and solar events seen in the 10 - 20GeV energy range by the Karlsruhe Muon Telescope

TL;DR

This study uses data from the Karlsruhe Muon Telescope to analyze cosmic-ray flux variations caused by solar events like Forbush decreases and ground level enhancements in the 10-20 GeV energy range, extending understanding beyond neutron monitor capabilities.

Contribution

The paper presents new observations of solar-induced cosmic-ray variations at higher energies using muon detection, complementing existing neutron monitor data.

Findings

Detection of Forbush decreases in muon flux

Observation of ground level enhancements

Comparison with neutron monitor data

Abstract

Since 1993, a muon telescope located at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe Muon Telescope) has been recording the flux of single muons mostly originating from primary cosmic-ray protons with dominant energies in the 10 - 20 GeV range. The data are used to investigate the influence of solar effects on the flux of cosmic-rays measured at Earth. Non-periodic events like Forbush decreases and ground level enhancements are detected in the registered muon flux. A selection of recent events will be presented and compared to data from the Jungfraujoch neutron monitor. The data of the Karlsruhe Muon Telescope help to extend the knowledge about Forbush decreases and ground level enhancements to energies beyond the neutron monitor regime.