Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
One of the sources of particles for the Van Allen radiation belt is the decay of cosmic-ray neutrons leaking out of the atmosphere of the earth. Recently the cosmic neutron energy spectrum was measured, and from this, by use of a multigroup neutron diffusion calculation, the neutron leakage was calculated. Some of the neutrons leaking out of the atmosphere decay in the earth's magnetic field and are trapped. From this leakage the equilibrium proton energy spectrum in the inner Van Allen belt is calculated. (W.D.M.)
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
W. N. Hess (1959) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: