Cosmic rays consist of charged particles. They strike out atmosphere from outer space. It is observed that the intensity of cosmic rays is higher at the poles than the magnetic equator. Explain.

Earth’s magnetic field is vertical at the poles and horizontal at equatorial points. Hence no magnetic force (F = qν B sin 0^°) acts on the charged particles reaching the poles, but force (F = qν B sin 90^°) does act on the charged particles reaching the equator which deflects the particles sideways. Hence only high-energy cosmic ray particles are able to reach the equator, whereas even low-energy cosmic ray particles are able to reach magnetic poles.