Heliospheric modulation of cosmic rays during the neutron monitor era: Calibration using PAMELA data for 2006--2010

A new reconstruction of the heliospheric modulation potential for galactic cosmic rays is presented for the neutron monitor era, since 1951. The new reconstruction is based on an updated methodology in comparison to previous reconstructions: (1) the use of the new-generation neutron monitor yield function, (2) the use of the new model of the local interstellar spectrum, employing in particular direct data from the distant missions, and (3) the calibration of the neutron monitor responses to direct measurements of the cosmic ray spectrum performed by the PAMELA space-borne spectrometer over 47 time intervals during 2006{2010. The reconstruction is based on data from six standard NM64-type neutron monitors (Apatity, Inuvik, Kergulen, Moscow, Newark and Oulu) since 1965, and two IGY-type ground-based detectors (Climax and Mt.Washington) for 1951-1964. The new reconstruction, along with the estimated uncertainties is tabulated in the paper. The presented series forms a benchmark record of the cosmic ray variability (in the energy range between 1-30 GeV) for the last 60 years, and can be used in long-term studies in the fields of solar, heliospheric and solar-terrestrial physics.