BARREL 1N: Bremsstrahlung X-ray Spectra from Balloon Campaigns, 32-Second Resolution
Updated 2mo ago
10filesBIN
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Description
256 channels of slow time resolution, 32-second Bremsstrahlung X-ray spectra detected with a NaI Scintillator, covering a nominal energy range from 0 MeV to 10 MeV. The data was collected by the BARREL mission, a NASA Living with a Star Mission of Opportunity, involving over 50 stratospheric balloon launches from Antarctica and Sweden between 2013 and 2016. Observations were made at altitudes of about 30 km to study relativistic electron precipitation from Earth's radiation belts.
Use Cases
Study spatial and temporal variations of relativistic electron precipitation based on the 32-second resolution X-ray spectra.
Characterize the spatial scale of precipitation at relativistic energies based on the multi-balloon array observations.
Correlate balloon-based X-ray measurements with in situ plasma wave and particle data from the Van Allen Probes mission.
Analyze ULF-timescale magnetic field variations in coordination with the DC magnetometer data mentioned in the mission description.
Strengths
Data spans four major balloon campaigns from 2013 to 2016, providing multi-year coverage.
Spectra cover a defined energy range of 0 MeV to 10 MeV across 256 channels.
Observations were coordinated with the Van Allen Probes mission and other ground-based instruments like EISCAT.
Limitations
Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
Data files are in specialized formats (BIN, PDF, TEXT, HTML), which may require specific tools for analysis.
Provenance
Source
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Collection Method
Measured by X-ray spectrometers and DC magnetometers carried on stratospheric balloons.
Time Range
Campaigns conducted in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Freshness
Last updated 2026-03-13 14:04:35.680135; freshness should be verified.
Geography
Balloon launches from Halley Bay and SANAE IV base in Antarctica, and the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden.
License is listed as 'other-license-specified'; specific terms should be reviewed before use.