Latitude Effect and Pressure-Level of Meson Formation

Abstract

KUPFERBERG¹ first, and later on Rathgeber², have both directed attention to the possibility that the latitude effect of cosmic rays due to the geomagnetic field may be partially masked by the fact that the height of the pressure-level of meson formation increases towards the equator. In particular, Rathgeber has shown, by taking 100 mb. for this pressure-level, that owing to this increase, the intensity of mesons at sea-level at mean latitudes should exceed the intensity at the equator by 3 per cent. The magnetic latitude effect would therefore be reduced from 10 to 7 per cent.