Scaler data from the Pierre Auger Observatory as a proxy of solar activity

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that the scaler data from the Pierre Auger Observatory over 16 years can serve as a reliable proxy for solar activity, revealing variations across multiple timescales and providing insights into cosmic ray flux modulation.

Contribution

The paper introduces the use of Auger Observatory scaler data as a new, high-statistics proxy for solar activity, applying spectral analysis to identify variability modes.

Findings

Scaler data reflect solar activity variations across multiple timescales

High statistical significance due to high count rates enables detailed analysis

Identification of variability modes from decadal to daily scales

Abstract

Solar activity variations strongly impact the modulation of the flux of low-energy Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) reaching the Earth. The secondary particles, which originate from the interaction of GCRs with the atmosphere, can be revealed by an array of ground detectors. We show that the low-threshold rate (scaler) time series recorded over 16 years of operation by the surface detectors of the Pierre Auger Observatory in Malarg\"ue (Argentina) strongly reflects solar activity and can be considered as a new proxy of solar variability. To achieve this result, we apply advanced spectral methods to this time series and to the classical solar sunspot number and sunspot area series. We detect and compare highly significant variations with periods ranging from the decadal to the daily scale and identify the origin of each variability mode. In conclusion, we show that the Auger scaler data, thanks to the very low noise level and high statistical significance related to the very high count rates ($\sim 10^6$ counts per second), allow for a thorough and detailed investigation of the GCR flux variations in the heliosphere.