Cosmic-ray fluctuations in interplanetary space

Cosmic-ray (CR) fluctuations in both the drift and diffusion approximations are investigated and the results compared with experimental data. Kinetic equation is used to obtain equations for the second moment of the CR distribution function (the correlation function of the distribution function fluctuations) in both approximations. An application of these approximations to the correlation function equation gives the relations between the CR power spectra and random magnetic fields in interplanetary space. Different magneto-turbulence models are taken in consideration and the relations between the spectral indices are obtained in various frequency intervals.The theoretical results are compared with experimental data obtained by the network of neutron monitors. The CR power spectra observed at the ground level during the years 1978–1981 has been calculated. The investigated frequency range of 3×10^–8 to 10^–4 Hz consists of two parts, with a transient region of 10^–6 to 10^–5 Hz. Together with the background CR fluctuations the contribution of both the periodic and aperiodic phenomena is observed.