A Medium Rigidity Muon Experiment for the South Pole Station

• Published in: Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia
• Main Authors: Duldig, M. L., Jacklyn, R. M., Pomerantz, M. A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1985
• Subjects: Space and Planetary Science; Astronomy and Astrophysics; Antarctic; Jacklyn; South Pole; Antarc*; South pole
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1323358000026631; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1323358000026631

Abstract A proposal for a medium rigidity muon telescope system to be installed at the U.S. South Pole Station for observations of time variations of cosmic ray intensity is at present being prepared by Professor Pomerantz, Director of the Bartol Research Foundation, University of Delaware and Drs Jacklyn and Duldig of the Cosmic Ray Section, Antarctic Division, Department of Science. A novel approach to medium energy cosmic ray observations viewing in equatorial to mid-latitude directions is described. The absorber depth required for the proposed 50-1000 GV rigidity range would be achieved by locating the telescope system at a depth of approximately 7 metres water equivalent (MWE) in the ice and viewing at high zenith angles. Optimization techniques used in the telescope design are presented together with the unique advantages of the location. Justification for the experiment and comparison with important observatories in this rigidity range are also discussed.