MONeutron
General Information
Technique
Key Instrumentation
Next Generation Neutron MonitorMONeutron is a ground-level neutron monitor designed to study cosmic rays at the Earth’s ground level. The MONeutron is installed at the IM@IT Unit University of Rome Tor Vergata. MONeutron provides continuous, real-time measurements of secondary cosmic rays produced by primary cosmic rays interactions in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The data from MONeutron enable studies of cosmic rays variability, the detection of ground-level enhancements associated with intense space weather events, and investigations of secondary neutron production mechanisms. Observations of these phenomena contribute to a better understanding of particle acceleration at the Sun and their propagation through interplanetary space and the Earth’s magnetosphere.
Beyond fundamental research, MONeutron data are highly relevant for applied studies of radiation environments. Secondary cosmic rays represent an important component of radiation exposure at aviation altitudes and during space missions. The measurements support radiation dose modelling for aircrew, passengers, astronauts, and electronic systems, helping to assess potential risks to human health and technological reliability. When combined with simulations and space-based observations, these measurements improve predictive models of mixed radiation environments and the effects of solar activity on Earth’s atmosphere.
The precision, reliability, and broad applicability of MONeutron make it an ideal instrument for both fundamental studies and applied research across multiple scientific fields such as nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, space physics, space weather, atmospheric science, and radiation modelling.
Technical description
The MONeutron monitor installed at the IM@IT Unit of the University of Rome Tor Vergata is part of a distributed network of similar neutron monitors (NM-2023) operating at different locations, providing complementary and coordinated measurements of cosmic rays at ground level.
The MONeutron system is composed of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) moderator, a lead producer array made of lead bricks, and an HDPE reflector, optimised for the detection of secondary cosmic rays generated by primary cosmic ray interactions in the Earth’s atmosphere. The detector array includes six ³He-filled proportional counters, three junction boxes, three amplifier–discriminator units, a signal aggregator and de-randomiser, and a CAEN R7780 data acquisition module functioning as a shift register and pulse train recorder.
The control cubicle houses an uninterruptible power supply, mains control with surge protection, and a rack-mounted personal computer with a monitor for system operation and data handling. MONeutron’s modular nucleonics chain, accurate shielding configuration, and long-term operational stability ensure high-sensitivity, real-time measurements, supporting research activities in cosmic ray physics, space weather, radiation modelling, and related scientific fields.Research areas and applications
MONeutron supports multidisciplinary research at the interface of cosmic ray physics, space weather, and radiation science. MONeutron enables continuous monitoring of secondary cosmic rays at ground level, with key applications spanning fundamental research and applied science.
MONeutron detects Ground Level Enhancements associated with extreme solar events and characterises the origin, temporal evolution, and intensity of neutron flux variations. Its measurements contribute to space weather and radiation effect studies by supporting assessments of impacts on electronic systems, including single-event effects, as well as on human health in aviation and space missions. When combined with irradiation experiments, numerical simulations, and space-based observations, MONeutron data enhance predictive models of mixed radiation environments and solar activity effects. Additional applications include the qualification and testing of materials, coatings, and components for high radiation environments relevant to aviation, space, and critical infrastructure.
MONeutron also supports atmospheric radiation studies, validation of radiation transport and space weather models, and the development, testing, and verification of advanced neutron detectors for complex mixed radiation fields. Overall, MONeutron delivers a long-term dataset that strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration.
Science highlights
M.D. Aspinall, T.L. Alton, C.L. Binnersley, S.C. Bradnam, S. Croft, M.J. Joyce, D. Mashao, L.W. Packer, T. Turner, J.A. Wild. Scientific Reports. 14, 7174 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57583-0
D.C. Mashao, T.L. Alton, C.L. Binnersley, S.C. Bradnam, S. Croft, M.J. Joyce, L.W. Packer, T. Turner, J.A. Wild, M.D. Aspinall. International Journal of Modern Physics E (2025). https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218301325450041
M.D. Aspinall, T.L. Alton, C.L. Binnersley, S. Bradnam, S. Croft, M.J. Joyce, D. Mashao, L. Packer, T. Turner, J.A. Wild. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. 1064, 169396 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169396
Experimental team
- Mashao Dakalo
- Lancaster University - Department of Engineering
- Nicola Terzaghi
- VIU- Venice International University