The conditions in the heliosphere are considered during the minimum phase of the sunspot cycle
when the intensity of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) attains its maximum at the Earth. These
times of maximum GCR intensity are determined for the last five sunspot minima, including the
present one. From the quantitative correlation between the heliospheric factors important to the
modulation of GCRs in the heliosphere and the index of high-latitude photospheric magnetic field
(all determined corresponding to times of GCR intensity maxima) the conclusion is made that
the poloidal magnetic field of the Sun is one of the main governing factors for these heliospheric
characteristics.
Following this up, the dependence of proton spectra near the Earth on the index as mentioned
above for the last five sunspot minima, 21/22 to 24/25, is calculated, also taking into account the
strength of the heliospheric magnetic field and the tilt of the heliospheric current sheet, the solar
wind speed and the position of the termination shock as the observable factors depending on the
high-latitude photospheric magnetic field. The calculations are discussed with special attention
paid to the comparison of spectra for the current and previous sunspot minimaa. The conclusion is
made on the general dependence of GCR spectra on the poloidal magnetic field of the Sun.