Solar Cosmic Rays Fundamentals and Applications

Presents a comprehensive approach to the open questions in solar cosmic ray research and includes consistent and detailed considerations of conceptual, observational, theoretical, experimental and applied aspects of the field. The results of solar cosmic ray (SCR) investigations from 1942 to the present are summarized in this book. It treats the research questions in a self-contained form in all of its associations, from fundamental astrophysical aspects to geophysical, aeronautical and cosmonautical applications. A large amount of new data is included, which has been accumulated during the last several decades of space research. This second edition contains numerous updates and corrections to the text, figures and references. The author has also added several new sections about GLEs and radiation hazards. In addition, an extensive bibliography is provided, which covers non-partially the main achievements and failures in the field.  This volume is aimed at graduate students and researchers in solar physics and space science.

Introduction.- Solar Cosmic Rays: Object and Tool for Space Research.- Observational Features and Databases of Solar Cosmic Rays.- Energetic Particles and High-Energy Solar Phenomena.- Solar Cosmic Rays at High Energies.- Particle Acceleration at the Sun.- Nuclear Interactions of Accelerated Particles at the Sun.- Acceleration and Release of Energetic Particles from the Corona.- Solar Cosmic Rays in the Interplanetary Space.- Spectrum of Solar Cosmic Rays near the Earth.- Solar Cosmic Rays in the Geosphere.- Energetic Solar Particles and Radiation Hazard in Space.- Summary and Conclusions: Problems and Prospects.- Appendices.- Bibliography.- Index.

Prof. Leonty Miroshnichenko obtained his PhD in Physics and Mathematics in 1991 and is currently a professor at IZMIRAN, in the Sector of Helio-Ecological Relations. His research interests include solar cosmic rays, radiation hazards in space, solar flares, solar gamma radiation, interplanetary dynamical processes, diagnostics and forecasts of solar proton events and solar-terrestrial relations. He has written approximately 250 publications, including 11 books on solar cosmic rays and solar-terrestrial relations.