Long-Wavelength Oscillations and the Gallex Solar Neutrino Signal

Abstract

The recently reported solar neutrino signal in the $^{71}$Ga GALLEX detector adds a new dimension to the solar neutrino puzzle, complementing the previously known signals in $^{37}$Cl and water-Cherenkov detectors. Possible explanations for this new signal in terms of matter-enhanced neutrino oscillations (MSW effect) are already awaiting in the literature. We point out here that long-wavelength vacuum oscillations can furnish an alternative explanation of all three signals simultaneously; such solutions give neutrino spectra with distinctive energy dependence and seasonal time dependence. %This is a Revtex file, which is Latex-based but depends upon inputting the %Revtex style files distributed by APS/Physical Review. For more information, %contact Peggy Sutherland at [e-mail], phone [phone] ext 674