Application of the Monte Carlo Method in Modeling Transport and Acceleration of Solar Energetic Particles

TL;DR

This paper uses Monte Carlo simulations to model solar energetic particle transport and acceleration, highlighting implications for space weather, radiation hazards, and atmospheric effects.

Contribution

It introduces a Monte Carlo-based approach to model SEP dynamics, analyzing pitch angle diffusion effects and particle decay phases beyond 1 AU.

Findings

Pitch angle diffusion coefficient approximations significantly influence SEP population properties.

Pitch angle scattering beyond 1 AU affects SEP event decay at Earth's orbit.

Monte Carlo simulations provide detailed insights into SEP transport mechanisms.

Abstract

The need for quantitative characterization of the solar energetic particle (SEP) dynamics goes beyond being an academic discipline only. It has numerous practical implications related to human activity in space. The terrestrial magnetic field shields the International Space Station (ISS) and most uncrewed missions from exposure to SEP radiation. However, extreme SEP events with hard energy spectra are particularly rich in hundreds of MeV to several GeV protons that can reach the altitudes of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These protons have a high penetrating capability, thus producing significant radiation hazards for human spaceflight. SEPs also have a significant effect on the atmosphere. Sudden ionization of the upper atmosphere at high latitudes that occurs during polar cap absorption (PCA) events can block high frequency (HF) communication for hours, affecting communication with aircraft on intercontinental high-altitude flights. Another effect of SEPs in the atmosphere is creating NOx molecules in the upper atmosphere that can deplete the atmospheric ozone population. The paper also presents an analysis of (1) how various pitch angle diffusion coefficient approximations affect the properties of the simulated SEPs population and (2) discusses how pitch angle scattering when SEPs are beyond 1 AU affects a SEP event decay phase at the Earth's orbit.