Neutron Monitoring

The neutron monitor is housed in these three containers in Fort Smith.The neutron monitor is housed in these three containers in Fort Smith.


A neutron monitor is an instrument that measures the number of high-energy particles impacting Earth from space. For historical reasons these particles, mostly protons and helium nuclei, are called "cosmic rays." Because the intensity of cosmic rays hitting Earth is not uniform, it is important to place neutron monitors at multiple locations in order to form a complete picture of cosmic rays in space. Bartol Research Institute currently operates eleven neutron monitors, of these two are located in the Northwest Territories - one in Inuvik and one in Fort Smith.

For more information, as well as data, visit the University of Delaware, Bartol Research Institute Neutron Monitor Program web site at http://neutronm.bartol.udel.edu.

You may also want to view our publication, from the Scientific Report Series, called Listening for Cosmic Rays! The Inuvik Neutron Monitor.