Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Dec 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufm.p42b..01a&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #P42B-01
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
[5200] Planetary Sciences: Astrobiology, [5400] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets, [6296] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Extra-Solar Planets, [7514] Solar Physics, Astrophysics, And Astronomy / Energetic Particles
Scientific paper
In addition to the stellar photon and proton flux, the radiation environment of a planet consists of a flux of charged nuclei, also known as galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). These high-energy particles (primarily protons) strike the planetary atmosphere initiating an extensive air shower. As the air shower propagates deeper, it ionizes the atmosphere by producing charged secondary particles. Secondary particles such as muons and thermal neutrons produced as a result of nuclear interactions are able to reach the ground, enhancing the radiation dose. Muons contribute 85% to the radiation dose from cosmic rays in the United States. This enhanced dose could be potentially harmful to the biosphere. This mechanism has been discussed extensively in literature but has never been quantified. Using the Monte Carlo code CORSIKA, we have developed a model that can be used to quantify this effect. We present our results of modeling cosmic ray induced terrestrial radiation dose on Earth and Earth-like planets in different situations and discuss its importance as a constraint on the habitability of terrestrial planets.
Atri Dimitra
Melott Adrian L.
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