Present status and further possibilities for space weather studies at BEO Moussala

• Published in: Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics Vol. 70; no. 2; pp. 680 - 685
• Main Authors: Mishev, A.L., Stamenov, J.N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Atmospheric Cherenkov light; Cosmic rays; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Physics of the ionosphere; Physics of the magnetosphere; Space weather; Space weather; 94.20.wq; 94.05.Sd; Atmospheric Cherenkov light; Cosmic rays; Secondary cosmic ray; Neutron flux; 94.05.Sd; 94.20.wq; efficiency; Cherenkov detector; Muon; cosmic rays; Cosmic rays; Atmospheric Cherenkov light; Space weather; Atmospheric transparency; Cosmic ray variations
• ISSN: 1364-6826; 1879-1824
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2007.08.044

The existing experimental equipment and scientific potential of Basic Environmental Observatory Moussala are demonstrated, especially the experiments connected with astroparticle and space weather studies. The recent measurements of secondary cosmic ray obtained with atmospheric Cherenkov light telescope are discussed. The possibility to study the atmospheric transparency on the basis of atmospheric Cherenkov light registration is discussed. The neutron flux meter based on gas filled SNM-15 counters and muon telescope based on water Cherenkov detectors scientific potential is described. Several characteristic examples of recent observations are given. The project for muon hodoscope is considered, including its possible design and preliminary estimation of registration efficiency. The scientific potential and nearest prospects of BEO Moussala are discussed, particularly the possible connection between cosmic ray variations and changes of environmental parameters.