Abstract
The experimental data on the cosmic-ray geomagnetic effects are used to provide information on the nature of the primary cosmic rays and on the mode of production of the meson component. The relevant arguments are first reviewed in a qualitative way and then elaborated by a quantitative analysis, which is not dependent upon any specific theory of meson production. Three main possibilities are discussed, the so-called proton, ‘mixed’ and soft component hypotheses (see §1 for definitions). It is concluded that the
bulk
of the mesons must arise from protons (or possibly other heavier positively charged particles). The analysis suggests that the average multiplicity of the process of meson production is about nine. From consideration of the asymmetry at high altitudes it seems likely that the primary radiation consists of protons and electrons (equally positive and negative) in the ratio of about one proton to four electrons.
Reference20 articles.
1. Proc. Roy;Bhabha;Soc. A,1938
2. Proc. Roy;Blackett;Soc. A,1937
3. Production of Mesotrons in the Stratosphere
4. Proc. Roy;Wilson Booth;Soc. A,1940
5. New Light on the Nature and Origin of the Incoming Cosmic Rays
Cited by
5 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献，注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献，订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献