Proton Component of the Primary Cosmic Radiation

Abstract

The proton component has been extensively studied at high altitudes on a series of 6 Skyhook balloon flights at various latitudes using the \ifmmode \check{C}\else \v{C}\fi{}erenkov-scintillation counter technique. The intensity of primary protons has been measured at 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 41\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 53\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} geomagnetic latitude. The proton differential energy spectrum has been measured directly in the region 250-750 Mev. It is observed that primary alphas and protons have the same form of rigidity spectrum from 1 Bv to 17 Bv. A series of cutoff rigidities are measured in the vicinity of $\ensuremath{\lambda}=53\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} \mathrm{and} 55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$. The intensity and composition of fast splash albedo is determined at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 53\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, \mathrm{and} 55\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$. Significant time variations are observed between the three high-latitude flights. Differences observed in the intensity and energy spectra of these three flights are discussed and strong restraints are placed on possible modulating mechanisms.