SAMPEX measurements of heavy ions trapped in the magnetosphere

New observations of >15-MeV/nuc trapped heavy ions with Z>or=2 have been made by the SAMPEX (Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer) spacecraft in low polar orbit. The composition of these ions, which are located primarily around L=2, is dominated by He, N, O, and Ne. The N, O, and Ne ions are apparently trapped anomalous cosmic rays. Currently, the origin of the trapped He flux is uncertain. These ions can affect the rate of single-event upsets (SEUs) in spacecraft hardware.<
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