Abstract
THE form of the energy spectrum of primary cosmic rays is still uncertain at the low-energy end. The work of Carmichael and Dymond1 and of Bowen, Millikan and Neher2 suggested that there was a lower limit at about 2,000 MeV., but this has not been confirmed by Pomerantz3, who has come to the conclusion that the spectrum continues down to low energies. The matter is of importance owing to its cosmological implications. If the existence of a cut-off in the spectrum be established, some mechanism must be found either for removing the slower particles as they travel through space, or for their initial acceleration with a sharp low-energy limit. The suggestion of Jánossy that a solar magnetic dipole field might be responsible is not now supported by the astronomical evidence.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Carmichael, H., and Dymond, E. G., Proc. Roy. Soc., A, 171, 321 (1939).
Bowen, I. S., Millikan, R. A., and Neher, H. V., Phys. Rev., 53, 856 (1938).
Pomerantz, M. A., Phys. Rev., 77, 830 (1950).
Van Allen, J. A., and Singer, S. F., Nature, 170, 62 (1952).
Pomerantz, M. A., and McClure, J. W., Phys. Rev. 86, 536 (1952).
Kaplan, M. F., et. al., Phys. Rev., 85, 295 (1952).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
DYMOND, E. Apparent Absence of Low-Energy Primary Cosmic Radiation. Nature 170, 1078 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1038/1701078a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1701078a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.