Abstract
Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) is a ground‐based technique that utilizes epithermal neutron measurements as a proxy for environmental hydrogen content. Similarly to other ground‐based cosmic ray detectors (e.g., neutron monitors), CRNS detectors are affected by the solar cycle and space weather events. Typically, these effects must be corrected, but CRNS detectors have also been specifically used to observe space weather. The specific sensitivity of CRNS detectors to the primary spectrum and the relationship to other cosmic ray measurements is not fully understood. A latitude survey was undertaken during the maximum of solar cycle 25, utilizing a mini neutron monitor, two CRNS detectors of different design and a muon telescope onboard the German Research Vessel Polarstern. The observations are presented and used to derive differential response functions and yield functions for two neutron detectors. While the differential response, between neutron detectors is similar, it strongly deviates between muon and neutron detectors. Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) is a ground‐based technique to monitor the amount of hydrogen present in the local environment, such as soil moisture. It works by detecting low energy neutrons which are produced by cosmic rays interacting with earth's atmosphere and surface. Like other ground‐based cosmic ray measurements, CRNS detectors are influenced by the solar cycle and space weather. These influences are usually removed from CRNS data, but CRNS detectors can also be used specifically for space weather observation. It is not fully understood how sensitive CRNS detectors are to various cosmic ray energies. A measurement campaign observing cosmic ray neutrons and muons was carried out at the peak of solar cycle 25. The campaign covered a large range of geomagnetic cut‐off rigidity. The data collected is used to determine the sensitivity of the different cosmic rays detectors to cosmic rays of various energies. Overall, the neutron detectors show similar sensitivity while the muon observations deviate. Latitude survey utilizing neutron and muon detectors during solar maximum Similar yield function determined for epithermal neutron detectors and mini neutron monitor Muons and neutrons show significantly different sensitivity to primary cosmic rays