http://arxiv.org/abs/1710.06659
The energy spectrum of the cosmic radiation in the range 10$^{19}$-2.4$\times$10$^{21}$ eV has been recently predicted showing a rich and distinctive staircase profile. In order to check the prediction, the spectra measured by running and past experiments above 10$^{19}$ eV are examined. The computed spectrum compares more favourably with the Telescope Array, HiRes I and Yakutsk data rather than with the Auger data in the range (1-20)$\times$10$^{19}$ eV. Previous flux measurements by Haverah Park, {\sc sugar}, {\sc agasa} and Fly’s Eye experiments are above the predicted spectrum in the limited band (1-30)$\times$10$^{19}$ eV. The flux measured by the Auger Group in the band (8-18)$\times$10$^{19}$ eV is below those of all other experiments and below the prediction.
The energy scales of the instruments might be at the origin of the flux mismatch among the experiments. Accordingly, the energy scales of all the eleven instruments operating above 10$^{20}$ eV are examined and the major inconsistencies discerned. The paucity of events above 10$^{20}$ eV of the Auger experiment with respect to all others is by far the major puzzle emerging from this scrutiny. The Auger instrument recorded only 4 events above 10$^{20}$ eV with an exposure exceeding 42500 km$^{2}$ sr year while the Telescope Array recorded 13 events with an exposure of 8100 km$^{2}$ sr year. A tentative solution of this puzzle is ventilated.
A. Codino
Thu, 19 Oct 17
61/61
Comments: N/A