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Description
This study examines the relationship between neutron monitor (NM) count rates and solar activity parameters, specifically focusing on the NM count rates at the point where the maximum slope occurs and how they correlate with key solar cycle indicators, such as the average sunspot number and the maximum sunspot number, across Solar Cycles (SCs) 20 to 24. The data used for analysis is collected from NM stations in Kerguelen, Moscow, Newark, and Oulu, providing a comprehensive set of observations that link cosmic ray modulation to solar activity.
The research finds that the NM count rates at the time of maximum slope ((C_{S\text{max}})) serve as an effective indicator of the heliospheric modulation of galactic cosmic rays, which is primarily driven by changes in solar activity. The study highlights how solar activity, particularly sunspots number, can influence the cosmic ray flux detected by neutron monitors.
The results indicate that (C_{S\text{max}}), which represents the point of most rapid change in NM count rates during the solar cycle, encapsulates the dynamics of solar-terrestrial interactions. This point reflects the cumulative effect of solar activity up to that moment, offering insights into the solar cycle's intensity and evolution. Notably, the study observes that this maximum slope in NM count rates corresponds closely with the peaks of solar activity, such as the solar maximum, which is characterized by a marked increase in solar flare and sunspot activity.
The study further explores the connection between NM count rates and solar cycle dynamics, focusing on the temporal changes observed in NM data and their relationship with solar activity. The analysis suggests that NM count rates, especially at the point of maximum slope, could serve as a tool for forecasting solar cycle behavior.
Furthermore, the study examines how the trends in NM count rates could be used to predict solar activity patterns, particularly during the ascending phases of solar cycles. The ascending phase of a solar cycle, which marks the period of increasing solar activity, is crucial for understanding the subsequent solar maximum. By studying the NM count rates at this stage, the research opens up the possibility of using NM observations to improve the accuracy of solar activity predictions, such as the timing and amplitude of solar cycle peaks.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of NM observations in understanding solar-terrestrial interactions. It highlights the potential applications of NM data in forecasting solar activity, offering a novel approach to predicting solar behavior based on the analysis of cosmic ray modulation. The findings underscore how neutron monitor data can be used as a reliable tool for investigating solar cycle evolution and understanding the broader dynamics of the solar system's interaction with cosmic rays.
