The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation
- 1st Edition - June 1, 2026
- Latest edition
- Authors: Du Toit Strauss, Nicolas Eugene Engelbrecht
- Language: English
The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation concretely lays out the underlying understanding of cosmic ray particle interactions, offering a comprehensive introduction to the underl… Read more
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The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation concretely lays out the underlying understanding of cosmic ray particle interactions, offering a comprehensive introduction to the underlying theory, observational data and practical applications, which have implications for various fields including high-energy astrophysics, space weather, and cosmogenic isotope studies. The book provides a solid theoretical foundation and explaining the in physical processes involved in cosmic ray modulation. It delves into the mathematical details with meticulous explanations and applies to a topics from the implications of cosmic rays in space-based anti-matter research to their role in studying solar variability over timescales and even planetary habitability. The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation not only provides a solid foundation for research but also offers wider perspectives on the impact of cosmic rays on our understanding of the universe. With its strong underlying theory and up-to-date coverage, this book is a must-read for anyone actively working in the field of cosmic rays or on fields influenced by charged particle physics.
- Provides an essential starting point in the field of cosmic ray transport, including detailed explanations of the underlying physical processes
- Includes observational data and current understandings on specific topics such as cosmic ray diffusion, drift, turbulence and diffusion; as well as mathematical expressions, derivations and equations that describe the behavior of cosmic rays and their modulation processes
- Bridges the gap between plasma physics and space weather, making it an indispensable resource for space scientists seeking to understand the complexities of cosmic ray dynamics.
Researchers, graduate students and professionals in space science, heliophysics, space weather, and astroparticle physics
1. Introduction
2. The Turbulent Heliosphere
2.1. The Solar Wind and Parker’s Theory
2.2. The Heliospheric Magnetic Field
2.3. The Current Sheet
2.4. The Large-Scale Heliosphere
2.5. The Solar-cycle and Related Cycles
2.6. Turbulence in the Heliosphere
3. Cosmic Rays
3.1. Discovery of Cosmic Rays
3.2. Long Term Observations and Solar Cycle Changes
3.3. Classification of Cosmic Rays
3.3.1. Galactic Cosmic Rays
3.3.2. Anomalous Cosmic Rays
3.3.3. Jovian Electrons
3.4.3. Other Energetic Particle Populations
3.5. Cosmogenic isotopes
4. Cosmic Ray Transport Equations
4.1. The Distribution Function
4.2. Transforming Between Different Coordinate Systems
4.3. Derivation of the Parker Transport Equation
4.4. Alternative Derivations
4.5. Towards Observational Quantities
4.6. Hierarchy and Validity of Different Approximations
4.6.1. A 1D Model (see also Appendix)
5. Diffusion Processes
5.1. Non-Collisional Particle Scattering
5.2. Particle-Wave Interactions and Resonances
5.3. Parallel Diffusion: QLT
5.4. Perpendicular Diffusion: FLRW and NLGC
5.5. Palmer Consensus Values
5.6. Momentum Diffusion
6. Drift Processes
6.1. Gradient and Curvature Drifts
6.2. Current Sheet Drift
6.3. The Drift Tensor
6.4. Drift in Reduced Dimensions
6.5. Turbulent Drift Reduction
6.6. A Note on Causality
6.7. Validity of the Drift Equations
7. Adiabatic Energy Changesm
7.1. Thermodynamic Considerations
7.2. Insights from The Focused Transport Equation
7.3. An Illustrative Example
7.4. Diffusive Shock Acceleration
8. Conclusion
2. The Turbulent Heliosphere
2.1. The Solar Wind and Parker’s Theory
2.2. The Heliospheric Magnetic Field
2.3. The Current Sheet
2.4. The Large-Scale Heliosphere
2.5. The Solar-cycle and Related Cycles
2.6. Turbulence in the Heliosphere
3. Cosmic Rays
3.1. Discovery of Cosmic Rays
3.2. Long Term Observations and Solar Cycle Changes
3.3. Classification of Cosmic Rays
3.3.1. Galactic Cosmic Rays
3.3.2. Anomalous Cosmic Rays
3.3.3. Jovian Electrons
3.4.3. Other Energetic Particle Populations
3.5. Cosmogenic isotopes
4. Cosmic Ray Transport Equations
4.1. The Distribution Function
4.2. Transforming Between Different Coordinate Systems
4.3. Derivation of the Parker Transport Equation
4.4. Alternative Derivations
4.5. Towards Observational Quantities
4.6. Hierarchy and Validity of Different Approximations
4.6.1. A 1D Model (see also Appendix)
5. Diffusion Processes
5.1. Non-Collisional Particle Scattering
5.2. Particle-Wave Interactions and Resonances
5.3. Parallel Diffusion: QLT
5.4. Perpendicular Diffusion: FLRW and NLGC
5.5. Palmer Consensus Values
5.6. Momentum Diffusion
6. Drift Processes
6.1. Gradient and Curvature Drifts
6.2. Current Sheet Drift
6.3. The Drift Tensor
6.4. Drift in Reduced Dimensions
6.5. Turbulent Drift Reduction
6.6. A Note on Causality
6.7. Validity of the Drift Equations
7. Adiabatic Energy Changesm
7.1. Thermodynamic Considerations
7.2. Insights from The Focused Transport Equation
7.3. An Illustrative Example
7.4. Diffusive Shock Acceleration
8. Conclusion
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: June 1, 2026
- Language: English
DS
Du Toit Strauss
Prof Du Toit Strauss completed his PhD in 2013 at the North-West University in South Africa, studying the transport of cosmic rays through the turbulent interplanetary medium using a combination of particle transport and large scale heliospheric MHD models. Since then he has focussed primarily on simulating the transport of solar energetic particles through the inner heliosphere, but has a general interest in the propagation of charged particles through turbulent plasmas (both from a theoretical and simulation perspective). On the experimental side he is leading the South African neutron monitor programme and has initiated a programme to characterize the radiation environment, at aviation altitudes, over Southern Africa. Prof Strauss completed research sabbaticals at the Ruhr University in Germany (funded through an Alexander von Humboldt fellowship) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville in the USA (as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar). He is currently appointed as an associate professor of physics at the North-West University, and holds an affiliated status at the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
Affiliations and expertise
Associate Professor of physics, North-West University, South AfricaNE
Nicolas Eugene Engelbrecht
N. Eugene Engelbrecht is currently a professor in physics at the North-West University, South Africa, where he received his Ph.D. in physics, in which he studied the influence of turbulence on the transport of galactic cosmic rays by combining turbulence transport models with a numerical cosmic ray modulation code through first-principle modeling of these particle’s diffusion and drift coefficients. His research interests include modeling cosmic ray transport from first principles (both in the heliosphere and other astrospheres), turbulence and its transport (both theoretical and observational), and the diffusion of charged particles in turbulent plasmas.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor in Physics, North-West University, South Africa