Monitoring galactic and solar cosmic rays for astrophysical research and space weather applications

The RAYCO project aims to monitor cosmic rays, i.e. the high-energy protons and nuclei (>450 MeV) that continually strike the Earth’s atmosphere. The aim is (1) to provide data for the global network of neutron monitors, where each instrument is sensitive to a direction of arrival and energy range that depends on its location; (2) to conduct research into protons and relativistic nuclei accelerated during solar flares, (3) to support space weather applications. Firstly, to assess and improve the radiation doses induced by cosmic rays in the earth’s atmosphere and received by civil aviation crews, using the SiGLERT model employed by the SIEVERT system (DGAC – Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile; IRSN – Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire). Secondly, to provide real-time cosmic ray measurements to the ACJF consortium (Australia – Canada – Japan – France) acting as one of the 4 international space weather centers for the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) in order to provide alerts in the event of solar flares likely to increase the radiation doses received by flight crews.