Cosmic rays linked to supernovae
Posted: Tue, Feb 19, 2013, 7:12 AM ET (1212 GMT)
Astronomers have found evidence suggesting that high-energy cosmic rays are produced in the shock fronts of supernova explosions. Observations by ground and space-based telescopes of supernovae indicated that their expanding shock waves can accelerate protons to close to the speed of light; most cosmic rays are such high-speed protons. Gamma-ray observations confirmed this origin by detecting gamma rays at the energies expected when an accelerated proton collides with a stationary one. Astronomers had previously speculated that supernovae were the source of cosmic rays, but lacked proof before these observations.
Astronomers have found evidence suggesting that high-energy cosmic rays are produced in the shock fronts of supernova explosions. Observations by ground and space-based telescopes of supernovae indicated that their expanding shock waves can accelerate protons to close to the speed of light; most cosmic rays are such high-speed protons. Gamma-ray observations confirmed this origin by detecting gamma rays at the energies expected when an accelerated proton collides with a stationary one. Astronomers had previously speculated that supernovae were the source of cosmic rays, but lacked proof before these observations.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA releases report on Starliner crewed test flight problems
Posted: Sun, Feb 22 11:45 AM ET (1645 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, February 28
Firefly set to launch Alpha rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday
KSBY-TV San Luis Obispo, CA — 9:38 am ET (1438 GMT) Firefly Aerospace Alpha Rocket Ready for Return to Flight at Vandenberg
Noozhawk — 9:37 am ET (1437 GMT) Space Command offers bonuses for Huntsville move
Axios — 9:35 am ET (1435 GMT) Firefly Alpha FLTA007 “Stairway to Seven” set for launch from California coast
NasaSpaceFlight.com — 9:34 am ET (1434 GMT) Rocket Lab Delays Neutron Flight To Late 2026 After Test Failure
Aviation Week — 9:33 am ET (1433 GMT) |
