Solar neutron transport in the Earth's atmosphere

The neutron flux per unit energy induced in the earth's atmosphere by solar neutrons has been calculated as a function of atmospheric depth for depths of less than 300 g/cm² (∼30,000 ft). The calculated flux is compared with estimates of the cosmic-ray neutron flux per unit energy, and it is found that for many flares the solar neutron flux per unit energy is sufficiently above the cosmic-ray neutron flux per unit energy to produce a measurable effect at both balloon and aircraft altitudes.