Forbush decrease

[′fȯr‚bu̇sh di′krēs]

(astrophysics)

A sudden decrease in cosmic-ray intensity which occurs a day or two after a solar flare, and at the same time as the commencement of magnetic storms and auroral activity.

References in periodicals archive ?

Lockwood, "Forbush decreases in the cosmic radiation," Space Science Reviews, vol.

Diffusion coefficients, short-term cosmic ray modulation, and convected magnetic structures

But Forbush decreases aren't always strong enough to leave behind conclusive signatures, and their effect on cloud formation has been debated by scientists for years due to varied findings among studies.

Solar eruptions impact cloud cover on Earth

In hindsight, Van Allen and others now realize that one of these so-called Forbush decreases also preceded the 1983 radio burst, thus providing a boon to the solar-trigger hypothesis.