Sidarat Khamphakdee. Analysis of data from Neutron monitors at different latitudes and altitudes. Master's Degree(Astronomy). Chiang Mai University. Library. : Chiang Mai University, 2025.
Analysis of data from Neutron monitors at different latitudes and altitudes
Abstract:
Neutron monitors (NMs) are crucial for studying Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) variations influenced by solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. This study analyzes data from the Changvan neutron monitor, a mobile detector with a semi-leaded design, and the Princess Sirindhorn Neutron Monitor (PSNM), a fixed station at high altitude. Changvan participated in the 35th (20182019) and 36th (20192020) Antarctic research expeditions, conducting a latitude survey from Shanghai to Zhongshan Station, Antarctica. It was later installed at Mae Hia, Chiang Mai (304 m), while PSNM operates at Doi Inthanon (2,565 m). This work examines Changvans response function and compares count rates from neutron monitors at different altitudes with similar geomagnetic cutoffs to assess spectral variations. The study explores count rate ratios between leaded and unleaded detectors and between PSNM and Changvan, alongside the leader fraction derived from time-delay histograms. The results confirm a strong correlation between count rate ratios and leader fraction values, highlighting the effectiveness of a semi-leaded neutron monitor for tracking cosmic ray spectral changes. Therefore, Changvans design provides a novel method for measuring cosmic ray spectrum variations, enhancing cosmic ray modulation studies and space weather monitoring.