Galactic Cosmic Rays Throughout the Heliosphere and in the Very Local Interstellar Medium
J. S. Rankin, V. Bindi, A. M. Bykov, A. C. Cummings, S. Della Torre, V. Florinski, B. Heber, M. S. Potgieter, E. C. Stone, Ming Zhang
Abstract
We review recent observations and modeling developments on the subject of galactic cosmic rays through the heliosphere and in the Very Local Interstellar Medium, emphasizing knowledge that has accumulated over the past decade. We begin by highlighting key measurements of cosmic-ray spectra by Voyager, PAMELA, and AMS and discuss advances in global models of solar modulation. Next, we survey recent works related to large-scale, long-term spatial and temporal variations of cosmic rays in different regimes of the solar wind. Then we highlight new discoveries from beyond the heliopause and link these to the short-term evolution of transients caused by solar activity. Lastly, we visit new results that yield interesting insights from a broader astrophysical perspective.