Neutron and Proton Dosages in the Upper Atmosphere from Solar Flare Radiation
Abstract
The radiation dosage from secondary neutrons as well as from primary and secondary protons in the earth's atmosphere during solar particle events is calculated as a function of the solar proton flux, atmospheric depth, and geomagnetic-cutoff rigidity. The dosage in rems from secondary neutrons exceeds the dosage from protons below 30 g/cm2 of residual atmosphere. Neutron dosages in rads are less than the dosage from primary protons at all depths above 100 g/cm2. The maximum neutron dose to travelers in supersonic aircraft during solar particle events of the magnitude observed during the last solar cycle would be of the order of 1 rem.
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Published In
Science
Volume 144 | Issue 3626
26 June 1964
26 June 1964
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© 1964.
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Published in print: 26 June 1964
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