Comparison of Galactic Cosmic Ray Proton and Helium Spectra: Unraveling the Nuances of High - Energy Particle Acceleration

G. Adagba, B. A. Ikyo, J. A Gbertyo

Abstract: The flux of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) near Earth is modulated by solar wind and solar energetic particle events (SEPs), which are associated with solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Scientists can gain insights into the acceleration and transport mechanisms of particles in the inner heliosphere through monitoring these variations. Because of their abundance and unique properties, helium nuclei (alpha particles) and protons play an important role in GCRs. The purpose of this scholarly article is to present a comprehensive comparative analysis of the spectra of helium and proton particles of galactic cosmic rays, shedding light on the underlying acceleration mechanisms and their implications for understanding the universe. A limited amount of literature exists about these important cosmic ray components. This report examines existing literature and employs sophisticated theoretical technique to elucidate the similarities, differences, and implications of helium and proton spectra in GCRs and our results show that helium and proton spectra exhibit distinct properties and underlying processes.

Keywords: Interstellar medium, cosmic rays, sun, solar wind, convection