Observations of Cosmic-Ray Electrons Between 2.7 and 21.5 ME V
Abstract
Results are presented from the IMP-TV satellite on the intensity of electrons with energies of 2 7- 21 5 MeV in interplanetary space during the period July 3 through August 27, 1967. The measured electron intensity is believed to be uncontaminated by solar electrons. The analysis procedure for back- ground subtraction and the subsequent derivation of the electron spectrum are described in detail. The results of electron-accelerator calibrations are used extensively. The origin of the electrons is discussed, and the results are compared with the predicted intensity of knock-on electrons from proton-electron collisions in interstellar space. The measured electron spectrum is shown to be compatible with a sole origin in the galactic knock-on component if solar modulation of low-energy electrons is insignificant. The energy spectrum of the electrons that was obtained is well represented by a power law of the form dJ/dE = 132 E' ~ electrons (m2 sterad MeV)' between 2.7 and 21.5 MeV
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- September 1969
- DOI:
- 10.1086/150162
- Bibcode:
- 1969ApJ...157.1435S