Tidal Frequencies in the Time Series Measurements of Atmospheric Muon Flux from Cosmic Rays

TL;DR

This study identifies tidal frequency patterns in eight years of atmospheric muon flux data, linking them to solar-driven atmospheric density variations and proposing muons as a new tool for studying atmospheric tides at high altitudes.

Contribution

It demonstrates the presence of tidal frequencies in muon flux measurements and interprets them as caused by solar thermal cycle-driven density variations, offering a novel atmospheric monitoring method.

Findings

Detected tidal frequencies in muon flux data.

Frequency matches published tidal frequencies.

Muons can probe atmospheric tides at 20-60 km altitude.

Abstract

Tidal frequencies are detected in time series muon flux measurements performed over a period of eight years. Meson production and subsequent decay produce the muons that are observed at ground level. We interpret the periodic behavior as a consequence of high altitude density variations at the point of meson production. These variations are driven by solar thermal cycles. The detected frequencies are in good agreement with published tidal frequencies and suggest that muons can be a complementary probe to the study of atmospheric tides at altitudes between 20 to 60 km.