Galactic Cosmic-Ray Propagation in the Inner Heliosphere: Improved Force-Field Model

TL;DR

This paper presents an improved force-field model for cosmic-ray propagation in the inner heliosphere, utilizing Parker Solar Probe data to better predict solar modulation effects near Earth, with results aligning well with existing observations.

Contribution

The study introduces a refined force-field model incorporating new magnetic spectral data, enhancing predictions of cosmic-ray modulation within Earth's orbit compared to previous models.

Findings

Modulation of cosmic rays between Earth and Sun is modest at solar minimum.

Model predictions align better with observed cosmic-ray radial gradients.

Results are testable with upcoming Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter data.

Abstract

A key goal of heliophysics is to understand how cosmic rays propagate in the solar system's complex, dynamic environment. One observable is solar modulation, i.e., how the flux and spectrum of cosmic rays changes as they propagate inward. We construct an improved force-field model, taking advantage of new measurements of magnetic power spectral density by Parker Solar Probe to predict solar modulation within the Earth's orbit. We find that modulation of cosmic rays between the Earth and Sun is modest, at least at solar minimum and in the ecliptic plane. Our results agree much better with the limited data on cosmic-ray radial gradients within Earth's orbit than past treatments of the force-field model. Our predictions can be tested with forthcoming direct cosmic-ray measurements in the inner heliosphere by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. They are also important for interpreting the gamma-ray emission from the Sun due to scattering of cosmic rays with solar matter and photons.