Speaker
Description
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles originating from space, such as the sun, supernova explosions of stars, and other presently unknown sources. The processes governing their formation are not fully understood. The propagation of these particles in the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere is influenced by magnetic fields. By monitoring variations and fluctuations in cosmic ray intensity, we can study changes in these magnetic fields. Ground-based or sea-based neutron monitors are commonly used to detect atmospheric showers caused by primary cosmic rays with GeV energy range. However, the configurations of neutron detectors may vary, leading to energy-dependent effective areas (yield functions) that are not entirely identical. In our research conducted in Thailand, we have developed portable neutron monitors named “Changvan” and “Thimon.” These instruments enable us to study the energy spectrum of cosmic rays during ocean voyages to and from Antarctica. Our primary focus is to investigate the variations that occur during the typical 11-year sunspot cycle, as well as variations associated with the 22-year solar magnetic cycle. We will discuss the new findings from these voyages and future research approaches. This work is supported in part by NSRF via the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research, and Innovation [grant number B39G660028].
