On-board detection and removal of cosmic ray and solar energetic particle signatures for the Solar Orbiter-METIS coronagraph

Author(s):  
V. Andretta ◽  
A. Bemporad ◽  
M. Focardi ◽  
C. Grimani ◽  
F. Landini ◽  
...  
2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 769-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. Mironova ◽  
I. G. Usoskin ◽  
G. A. Kovaltsov ◽  
S. V. Petelina

Abstract. Energetic cosmic rays are the main source of ionization of the low-middle atmosphere, leading to associated changes in atmospheric properties. Via the hypothetical influence of ionization on aerosol growth and facilitated formation of clouds, this may be an important indirect link relating solar variability to climate. This effect is highly debated, however, since the proposed theoretical mechanisms still remain illusive and qualitative, and observational evidence is inconclusive and controversial. Therefore, important questions regarding the existence and magnitude of the effect, and particularly the fraction of aerosol particles that can form and grow, are still open. Here we present empirical evidence of the possible effect caused by cosmic rays upon polar stratospheric aerosols, based on a case study of an extreme solar energetic particle (SEP) event of 20 January 2005. Using aerosol data obtained over polar regions from different satellites with optical instruments that were operating during January 2005, such as the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE III), and Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS), we found a significant simultaneous change in aerosol properties in both the Southern and Northern Polar regions in temporal association with the SEP event. We speculate that ionization of the atmosphere, which was abnormally high in the lower stratosphere during the extreme SEP event, might have led to formation of new particles and/or growth of preexisting ultrafine particles in the polar stratospheric region. However, a detailed interpretation of the effect is left for subsequent studies. This is the first time high vertical resolution measurements have been used to discuss possible production of stratospheric aerosols under the influence of cosmic ray induced ionization. The observed effect is marginally detectable for the analyzed severe SEP event and can be undetectable for the majority of weak-moderate events. The present interpretation serves as a conservative upper limit of solar energetic particle effect upon polar stratospheric aerosols.


2010 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Stadelmann ◽  
Joachim Vogt ◽  
Karl-Heinz Glassmeier ◽  
May-Britt Kallenrode ◽  
Gerd-Hannes Voigt

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. A9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuhiko Sato ◽  
Ryuho Kataoka ◽  
Daikou Shiota ◽  
Yûki Kubo ◽  
Mamoru Ishii ◽  
...  

Real-time estimation of cosmic-ray fluxes on satellite orbits is one of the greatest challenges in space weather research. Therefore, we develop a system for nowcasting and forecasting the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) and solar energetic particle (SEP) fluxes at any location in the magnetosphere and ionosphere during ground-level enhancement (GLE) events. It is an extended version of the WArning System for AVIation Exposure to SEP (WASAVIES), which can determine event profiles by using real-time data of the count rates of several neutron monitors (NMs) at the ground level and high-energy proton fluxes observed by Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) satellites. The extended version, called WASAVIES-EO, can calculate the GCR and SEP fluxes outside a satellite based on its two-line element (TLE) data. Moreover, organ absorbed-dose and dose-equivalent rates of astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS) can be estimated using the system, considering its shielding effect. The accuracy of WASAVIES-EO was validated based on the dose rates measured in ISS, as well as based on high-energy proton fluxes observed by POES satellites during large GLEs that have occurred in the 21st century. Agreement between the nowcast and forecast dose rates in ISS, especially in terms of their temporal structures, indicates the usefulness of the developed system for future mission operations.


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 14003-14029
Author(s):  
I. A. Mironova ◽  
I. G. Usoskin ◽  
G. A. Kovaltsov ◽  
S. V. Petelina

Abstract. Energetic cosmic rays are the main source of ionization of the low-middle atmosphere, leading to associated changes in atmospheric properties. Via the hypothetical influence of ionization on aerosol growth and facilitated formation of cloud condensation nuclei, this may be an important indirect link relating solar variability to climate. This effect is highly debated, however, since the proposed theoretical mechanisms still remain illusive and qualitative, and observational evidence is inconclusive and controversial. Therefore, important questions regarding the existence and magnitude of the effect, and particularly the fraction of aerosol particles that can be formed and grow large enough to influence cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), are still open. Here we present empirical evidence of the possible effect caused by cosmic rays upon polar stratospheric aerosols, based on a case study of an extreme solar energetic particle (SEP) event of 20 January 2005. Using aerosol data obtained over polar regions from different satellites with optical instruments that were operating during January 2005, such as the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE III), and Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS), we found a significant simultaneous change in aerosol properties in both the southern and northern polar regions in temporal association with the SEP event. We speculate that ionization of the atmosphere, which was abnormally high during this extreme SEP event, might have led to formation of new particles and/or growth of preexisting ultrafine particles up to the size of CCN. However, a detailed interpretation of the effect is left for subsequent studies. This is the first time high vertical resolution measurements have been used to provide evidence for the probable production of stratospheric CCN from cosmic ray induced ionization.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zigong Xu ◽  
Johan L. Freiherr von Forstner ◽  
Patrick Kühl ◽  
Nils Janitzek ◽  
César Martín ◽  
...  

<p>As part of the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD) suite onboard Solar Orbiter, the High Energy Telescope has been launched on its mission to the Sun on February 9, 2020, and has been measuring energetic particles since it was first switched on about two weeks after launch. Using their double-ended telescopes, the two HET units provide measurements of ions above 7 MeV/nuc and electrons above 300 keV in four viewing directions. HET observed several Solar Energetic Particle (SEPs) events during the cruise phase, including the first one with a broad energy coverage (up to ~100MeV) on 29 Nov 2020. Being the first larger SEP event in a phase of rising solar activity, these measurements have already attracted extensive attention of the community. Apart from the SEPs, the HET can be used to observe the Galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and its temporal variation. The GCR measurements can be also utilized for the validation of the energy response of HET. The overall spectra observed by HET are as expected, except for calibration issues in some specific energy bins that we are still investigating. Finally, the HET also observed several Forbush Decreases (FD), i.e. cosmic ray decreases caused by CMEs and their embedded magnetic field. Here, the capabilities and data products of HET, as well as first measurements of SEPs, GCR and FDs are presented. </p>


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