Variation of Secondary Gamma Radiation Flux during Closest Approach of Mars towards Earth, Mars at Opposition and Transit of Moon across Different Constellations and Planets in the Month of October, 2020 at Udaipur, India

Abstract

Abstract: The experimental studies of closest approach of Mars towards Earth on October 6 & 7, 2020, Mars at opposition on October 13, 2020 and transit of Moon across different constellations and planets at Udaipur (270 43’ 12.00” N, 750 28’ 48.01” E), Rajasthan, India were conducted in the month of October, 2020 using a ground-based NaI (Tl) scintillation detector. For the closest approach of Mars, the data files were stored in computer for a half-hour duration from 20.30 IST to 1.00 IST on the dates of October 6 & 7, 2020, for Mars at opposition data files stored in computer for a half-hour duration from 18.00 IST to 20.00 IST on the date of October 13, 2020 and for Moon in the constellation experimental study the data files were stored in computer for a half-hour duration for the time 18.30 IST – 19.00 IST in the month of October, 2020 dated 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 29 at Udaipur (270 43’ 12.00” N, 750 28’ 48.01” E), Rajasthan, India, using a ground-based NaI (Tl) scintillation detector. For these experimental studies, the calibration of the scintillation detector was 2 keV per channel using a standard Cs137 source. Therefore, we detected the secondary radiation flux in the energy range from 2 keV to 2 MeV. Analyzed data of closest approach of Mars revealed a significant enhancement of secondary gamma-radiation flux (SGR) of about 4.5% on closest approach of Mars towards Earth at time 00.00 IST -00.30 IST (October 7) in comparison to the time 20.30 IST -21.00 IST (October 6). We interpret that such enhancement of SGR flux is on the basis of closest approach of Mars towards Earth, reflection of solar radiation from Mars towards Earth and gravitational lensing effect produced by Mars. For Mars at opposition, the analyzed data revealed a significant enhancement of secondary gamma-radiation flux (SGR) of about 1.7% in between times 19.00 IST – 19.30 IST. We interpret such enhancement of SGR flux on the basis of Mars at opposition, combined gravitational pull due to planet Mars, planet Earth and the Sun and gravitational lensing by Mars and for transit of Moon, the analyzed data revealed a significant variation of secondary gamma radiation flux (SGR) in the month of October. We interpret such variation of SGR flux on the basis of transit of Moon across different constellations and planets in the month of October. Keywords: Cosmic radiation, Reflection of solar radiation, Secondary gamma radiation, Closest approach of Mars, Mars at opposition, Combined gravitational pull and gravitational lensing effect by Mars, Transit of Moon across different constellations and planets.