Cosmic Rays in the Heliosphere: Temporal and Spatial Variations [Hardcover]

Presents a comprehensive synopsis of the current state of cosmic rays, their modulation and their effects in the Earths atmosphere.

Leading scientists in the field assess the current state of our understanding of the spatial and temporal variations of galactic and anomalous cosmic rays in the Heliosphere, and their relation to effects of the Sun. The main objective is to understand the spatial and temporal variation of galactic and anomalous cosmic rays in the light of recent observations, theory and modeling by identifying the key mechanism(s) of cosmic ray modulation and how changes on the Sun relate to changes in the observed characteristics of cosmic rays in the Heliosphere; examining the current long-lasting solar minimum and understand its implications for solar-cycle variations and long-term variations; and interpreting the long-term variations of cosmogenic radionuclides in terms of solar variability and climate change on Earth.

This volume is aimed at graduate students active in the fields of solar physics, space science, and cosmic ray physics.

Originally published in Space Science Reviews journal, Vol. 176/1-4, 2013.

Foreword.- Solar Drivers of 11-yr and Long-Term Cosmic Ray Modulation.- Time-Variability in the Interstellar Boundary Conditions of the Heliosphere: Effect of the Solar Journey on the Galactic Cosmic Ray Flux at Earth.- Cosmic-Ray Energy Spectra and Time Variations in the Local Interstellar Medium: Constraints and Uncertainties.- The Sun in Time.- The Heliosphere in Time.- Cosmic-Ray Transport and Interaction with Shocks.- Cosmogenic Radionuclides as an Extension of the Neutron Monitor Era in the Past: Potential and Limitations.- The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX): Tracing the Interaction Between the Heliosphere and Surrounding Interstellar Material with Energetic Neutral Atoms.- The Heliospheric Termination Shock.- Propagating Shocks.- Stochastic Acceleration of lĂL