The Pierre Auger Observatory scaler mode for the study of solar activity modulation of galactic cosmic rays

ABRAHAM, JORGE ET AL.; ABREU, P.; AGLIETA, M; GARCIA, B (400 AUTORES ORDEN ALFABETICO)

JOURNAL OF INSTRUMENTATION

IOP PUBLISHING LTD

Año: 2011 vol. 6 p. 1 - 16

1748-0221

Since data-taking began in January 2004, the Pierre Auger Observatory has beenrecording the count rates of low energy secondary cosmic ray particles for the self-calibrationof the ground detectors of its surface detector array. After correcting for atmospheric effects, mod-ulations of galactic cosmic rays due to solar activity and transient events are observed. Temporal variations related with the activity of the heliosphere can be determined with high accuracy due tothe high total count rates. In this study, the available data are presented together with an analysis focused on the observation of Forbush decreases, where a strong correlation with neutron monitor data is found.