Solar cycle variations of modulation parameters are derived from cosmic-ray anisotropy observed by a network of multidirectional muon telescopes. The network covers wide ranges of median rigidity of primary cosmic-rays and effective latitude of viewing. It was found that the radial density gradient varies with a good correlation with the solar activity, while the parallel mean-free-path of the cosmic-ray diffusion varies with an anti-correlation with the solar activity. These features are both in accord with the conventional modulation theory incorporating convection and diffusion processes. The correlation coefficients of yearly mean values of radial density gradient and parallel mean-free-path with the sunspot number were respectively 0.7 and 0.6. The bi-directional latitudinal gradient showed a clear 22-year solar magnetic cycle as predicted by the drift model for the cosmic-ray transport in the heliosphere. The unidirectional latitudinal gradient, on the other hand, showed no clear variation related to the 11-year solar activity or 22-year solar magnetic-cycles, but it remains positive after the late 80's implying a higher density of cosmic-rays in the southern hemisphere below the heliospheric current sheet. We also analyze temporal variations of modulation parameters derived from neutron monitor observations at ~10 GV. By comparing with those obtained from muon observations at 60 GV, we discuss the rigidity dependence of temporal variations of modulation parameters. © 2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Physical Sciences
Research Group:	Astronomical sciences
Research Field:	Galactic astronomy
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences
UTAS Author:	Humble, JE (Dr John Humble)
ID Code:	24012
Year Published:	2002
Web of Science® Times Cited:	3
Deposited By:	Physics
Deposited On:	2002-08-01
Last Modified:	2003-05-07
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