Solar hard X-ray halo from decaying neutrons

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)

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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

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