New cosmic ray observations at Syowa Station in the Antarctic for space weather study

• Published in: Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate
• Main Authors: Kato Chihiro, Kihara Wataru, Ko Yukino, Kadokura Akira, Kataoka Ryuho, Evenson Paul, Uchida Satoru, Kaimi So, Nakamura Yoshiaki, Uchida Herbert Akihito, Murase Kiyoka, Munakata Kazuoki
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2021
• Subjects: cosmic ray; muon detector; neutron monitor; Meteorology. Climatology; QC851-999; Antarctic; Syowa Station; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1051/swsc/2021005; https://doaj.org/article/0cfa03bff1e3498cb2590cc8b5cf5ef6

Muon detectors and neutron monitors were recently installed at Syowa Station, in the Antarctic, to observe different types of secondary particles resulting from cosmic ray interactions simultaneously from the same location. Continuing observations will give new insight into the response of muon detectors to atmospheric and geomagnetic effects. Operation began in February, 2018 and the system has been stable with a duty-cycle exceeding 94%. Muon data shows a clear seasonal variation, which is expected from the atmospheric temperature effect. We verified successful operation by showing that the muon and neutron data are consistent with those from other locations by comparing intensity variations during a space weather event. We have established a web page to make real time data available with interactive graphics (http://polaris.nipr.ac.jp/cosmicrays/).