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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, August 15
Pentagon Picks D-Orbit, Firefly, Katalyst In Deorbit-As-Service Push
Aviation Week — 8:22 am ET (1222 GMT) Ukraine’s Flamingo Missiles Strike Russia’s Soyuz Rocket Factory Behind Its Starlink Rival
United24 Media — 8:20 am ET (1220 GMT) FCC Says Starlink Has Over 7 Million US Subscribers. Wait, What?
PC Magazine — 8:19 am ET (1219 GMT) Ukraine strikes space centre developing ‘Russian Starlink’
The Daily Telegraph — 8:18 am ET (1218 GMT) Plan to Deorbit Old Satellites Gains Steam with New Deals
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 8:17 am ET (1217 GMT) |
