MacKinnon, A.L. (2007) Solar hard X-ray halo from decaying neutrons. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 462(2), pp. 763-767. (doi: 10.1051/0004-6361:20066328)
|
Text
28844.pdf 144kB |
Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20066328
Abstract
<p><b>Aims:</b> To quantify the solar X-ray halo resulting from inner bremsstrahlung in beta decay of neutrons generated by cosmic ray bombardment of the solar surface.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> We show analytically how the angular form of this X-ray halo directly reflects the energy distribution of neutrons escaping the Sun. Previous Monte Carlo calculations of solar albedo neutron production are used to normalise an assumed parametric form for the escaping neutron distribution and thus to estimate the halo's intensity. The main remaining assumptions, that neutrons escape radially and that gravitational deceleration may be neglected, affect a negligible fraction of all solar neutrons.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Observations of this halo would have clear diagnostic interest for cosmic ray propagation in the inner heliosphere. Unfortunately it is unlikely to be observable in competition with the cosmic X-ray background.</p>
Item Type: | Articles |
---|---|
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | MacKinnon, Dr Alexander |
Authors: | MacKinnon, A.L. |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy |
Journal Name: | Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Publisher: | EDP Sciences |
ISSN: | 0004-6361 |
ISSN (Online): | 1432-0746 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2007 EDP Sciences |
First Published: | First published in Astronomy and Astrophysics 462(2):763-767 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record