Cosmic electron gradients in the inner heliosphere

Abstract

We report the first determination of the radial gradient of cosmic ray electrons in the inner heliosphere at rigidities of 1.2 and 2.5 GV from 1 to 5 AU. Since this determination was made during the A⁺ solar polarity state, it also constitutes the only determination for particles in a polarity state opposite to their charge sign. We find that the radial gradient for electrons is indistinguishable from that for positive particles measured at the same time. We have found no significant latitude gradient in either 1.2 or 2.5 GeV electrons. Lack of the ability to study time evolution greatly hampers interpretation of our results.