The Sun, our seemingly constant star, undergoes 11-year solar cycles of fluctuations. Recent observations from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) on the International Space Station have shed light on how these cycles affect cosmic rays and antimatter.
Over the past solar cycle, AMS has recorded billions of cosmic ray events, revealing previously unknown connections between solar activity and energetic particles. The data has challenged existing theories about the behavior of cosmic rays during different phases of the solar cycle.
The study, published by the American Physical Society, highlights the importance of understanding cosmic ray fluxes for unraveling the mysteries of dark matter. The researchers found that the Sun's influence on cosmic rays and antiparticles varies depending on the wavelength of the particles' travel, with shorter wavelengths at higher temperatures resulting in faster vibrations.
Furthermore, the Sun's energy affects cosmic rays through diffusion, convection, magnetic field interactions, and energy loss. These phenomena are influenced by the specific phase of the solar cycle, revealing smaller cycles of activity within the broader 11-year cycle.
The research underscores the potential link between antiparticles and dark matter, both of which remain enigmatic. The study suggests that understanding how the Sun affects antimatter could provide clues about its origin. An upcoming upgrade to AMS is expected to further enhance our understanding of these phenomena.