Speakers
Description
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a high-energy particle detector designed to measure different species of galactic cosmic rays in the GV to TV rigidity range with unprecedented accuracy, in order to study fundamental physics in space. Since its installation on the International Space Station in May 2011, AMS has been measuring hourly, daily, monthly, and yearly cosmic radiation over an 11-year solar cycle. The low-energy flux exhibits variations strongly related to solar activity. In addition, AMS-02 has measured Forbush decreases and solar energetic particles associated with the most intense solar events of solar cycle 24-25, during which radiation levels for manned space flight could easily reach the lethal dose of 300 rem. This unique information is vital for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars, and is different from current models used in calculations.
