Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Publication Date

5-19-1965

Abstract

1. Geomagnetically Trapped Radiation

A summary of results of space measurements during the 1950's has been published by Rossi (reference 1). Foremost among these results was the discovery of geomagnetically trapped radiation observed in increased counting rates in geiger counters on Sputnik II and Explorer I. In 1958, Van Allen (reference 2) correctly interpreted these experiments in terms of belts of geomagnetically trapped particles. In 1961, Singer and Lenchek (reference 3) reviewed progress in the burgeoning field of geomagnetically trapped radiation. In September 1962, Rosen et al. (reference 4) summarized the accepted information on the space radiation environment in a convenient handbook. A principal feature of this handbook is the Space Radiation Map which is shown in figure 1. The four regions shown in this map are categorized by Rosen according to their quasi-steady state properties as follows:

The Inner Radiation Zone: A region characterized by the presence of large fluxes (>100 protons/cm2 sec) of trapped protons with E>10 Mev, and small time variations in intensity which are temporally correlated with major solar proton events and/or major geomagnetic storms.

The Outer Radiation Zone: A region characterized by the absence of large fluxes of protons with E>10 Mev, and large time variations in intensity without as clear a correlation with major solar proton events and/ or geomagnetic storms .

The Auroral Zone: A region containing the particles which directly cause the visible aurora.

Interplanetary Space: The region external to the three aforementioned regions.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christopher Pratt Leavitt

Second Committee Member

Roy Thomas

Third Committee Member

Howard Carnes Bryant

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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