In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), a collaboration of scientists from various institutions, have observed transient large-scale anisotropy in TeV cosmic ray ions. This discovery opens new avenues for studying interplanetary magnetic structures and has potential implications for the energy sector, particularly in space weather monitoring and prediction.
The team, led by Zhen Cao and including numerous researchers from institutions worldwide, analyzed hourly skymaps of cosmic ray intensity excess or deficit using data from the LHAASO. They observed enhanced anisotropy above typical hourly fluctuations with greater than 5σ significance during certain hours of November 4, 2021. This observation was consistent across four primary cosmic ray energy ranges, with median energies from 0.7 to 3.1 TeV. The gradient of the anisotropy varied with energy as E^γ, where γ is approximately -0.5.
The researchers noted that at a median energy of 1.0 TeV or less, this gradient corresponds to a dipole anisotropy of at least 1%, or possibly a weaker anisotropy of higher order. This type of observation is novel and provides a new method for studying interplanetary magnetic structures using air shower arrays around the world. The findings complement existing in situ and remote measurements of plasma properties, enhancing our understanding of space weather phenomena.
The practical applications of this research for the energy sector are significant. Space weather events, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and geomagnetic storms, can have substantial impacts on power grids, satellite operations, and other energy infrastructure. By improving our ability to monitor and predict these events, the energy industry can better prepare and mitigate potential risks. For instance, understanding the magnetic field properties of CMEs can help in forecasting geomagnetic storms, allowing energy providers to take preventive measures to protect their systems.
The research was published in the journal Nature Astronomy, highlighting its importance and relevance to the scientific community. The study’s findings not only advance our knowledge of cosmic rays and interplanetary magnetic structures but also offer valuable insights for the energy industry in managing space weather-related risks. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on advanced technologies and interconnected systems, the ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of space weather will be crucial for maintaining the reliability and security of energy infrastructure.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.