Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a major solar event had any immediatly noticable effect upon the count rate data of a stacked set of four sentilators.  Each paddle consisted of 625.0 cm² and was arranged in a neat stack of 3, 2, (1 meter) then 1, 4.  The data sample consists of collisions detected during uninturrupted 24 hour periods between 1 July through 10 July, 2012.  Data analysis indicates no noticable variation from a normal flux.  It is concluded that the M5.6 solar event which is documented to have occurrec on 2 July 2012 caused no change in muon activity at our station.

Introduction

We know that a major solar flare occurred at 10:52 UT on 2 July 2012.  Can a solar event such as the 2 July 2012 solar flare create no recognizeable change in our muon counting rate?

Procedures

The device was assembled in a stack arranged 3,2,1,4 with a 1 meter of air space between 3,2 and 1,4.  The DAQ operated between 1 July 2012 an 10 July 2012.  Data was collected, read, blessed and stored.  We retrieve the archived data via the Cosmic Ray e-Lab online application.  Performance data indicates the paddles were functioning properly.  Flux data was observed for the propose of finding any significant variation from what was calculated by established means to be typical counts.

Results

The data indicates there was no significant change in the muon counts for a period of 6 days after the documented solar event.

Discussions & Conclusions

It was determined that it is possible for a solar flare to have no impact upon muon counting rates.  It is possible that other muon counting stations also experienced no noticeable effect as a redult of a solar flare.   It is recommended that other investigations be done to determine what differece if any was recorded at other locations.  

Bibliography

Vanderbilt Quarknet data as available via FNAL; Cosmic Ray e-Lab.

Respectfully Submitted by Bill Hunnicutt, et.al. of VU Quarknet.