Energetic Particles at the Termination of the Solar Wind via Energetic Neutral Atoms

该项目完成了获取星际宇宙线分布信息的替代途径，补充了现有唯一途径的努力。现有的方法包括太阳调制和高能带电粒子在太阳风终止激波处/内部的冲击加速，而新方法利用了带电粒子与终止激波外部的局部星际介质相互作用产生的高能中性原子(ENAs)。研究人员是：(1)汇编ENA产生和消光的相关截面，以及太阳风和星际气体的所有表征参数；(2)编写一个三维计算机程序，模拟在任何有利位置、任何日球层和星际条件下的ENA流量；以及(3)开发一个迭代过程，以优化表征终止激波时宇宙线的空间和能量分布的参数。这项研究在寻找宇宙射线的来源以及在太阳风影响下带电粒子的传播方面向前迈进了一大步。

This project completes an alternative route to information on the distribution of interstellar cosmic rays, complementing efforts of the only existing approach. The existing method involves solar modulation and shock acceleration of energetic charged particles at/interior to the solar wind termination shock, while the new approach utilizes the energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) produced from interacting charged particles and local interstellar medium exterior to the termination shock. The investigators are: (1) compiling relevant cross sections for ENA production and extinction, and all characterizing parameters of the solar wind and interstellar gas; (2) coding a three-dimensional computer program simulating ENA flux at any vantage point, and under any heliospheric and interstellar conditions, and (3) developing an iterative process for optimizing the parameters characterizing the spatial and energy distribution of cosmic rays at the termination shock. The research takes a huge step forward in searching for the origins of cosmic rays, as well as propagation of charged particles in and out of the solar wind influence.