Energetic particle observations by Ulysses during the declining phase of solar cycle 23

Abstract

We present recent energetic particle measurements from 1-20 MeV/n recorded by the Ulysses/COSPIN/LET instrument from mid-October to the end of November 2003 and from May 2004 to the end of February 2005. Long-lasting periods with enhanced solar activity occurred during the declining phase of the current solar cycle contributing to the high-intensity particle events and heavy ion signatures observed by Ulysses near the ecliptic plane, at ∼5 AU from the Sun. The energetic particles injected from the Sun during the January 2005 intense solar activity were not observed at Ulysses until a stream interface that acted as a barrier for the particles reached the spacecraft. Our observations during this period thus show that the propagation of energetic particles is largely governed by the existence of large-scale solar wind structures that impede the transport of the particles. We use the elemental composition of the particle fluxes recorded by COSPIN/LET to gain insight into the possible origin of the particle events. We study and provide a possible interpretation of the composition signatures observed at ∼5 AU during periods of CME/CIR combinations. Although predominantly SEP-like, the observed composition showed evidence for enhancements in He, which we suggest is of interstellar origin, consistent with CIR shocks accelerating ions from multiple sources.