scholarly journals Supernova Remnants and the ISM: Constraints from Cosmic-Ray Acceleration

1988 ◽  
Vol 101 ◽  
pp. 325-329
Author(s):  
Amri Wandel

AbstractSupernova remnants can reaccelerate cosmic rays and modify their distribution during the cosmic ray propagation in the galaxy. Cosmic ray observations (in particular the boron-to-carbon data) strongly limit the permitted amount of reacceleration, which is used to set an upper limit on the expansion of supernova remnants, and a lower limit on the effective density of the ISM swept up by supernova shocks. The constraint depends on the theory of cosmic ray propagation: the standard Leaky Box model requires a high effective density, > 1cm−3, and is probably inconsistent with the present picture of the ISM. Modifying the Leaky Box model to include a moderate amount of weak-shock reacceleration, a self consistent solution is found, where the effective density in this solution is ≈ 0.1 cm−3, which implies efficient evaporation of the warm ISM component by young supernova remnants, during most of their supersonic expansion.

1985 ◽  
Vol 107 ◽  
pp. 341-354
Author(s):  
Donat G. Wentzel

Cosmic rays do not stream freely through the galaxy, contrary to earlier expectations. Streaming cosmic rays are slowed down by the emission of resonant Alfven waves that scatter the cosmic rays. The theory of self-confinement explains the isotropy of the bulk of the cosmic rays but not of cosmic rays above 103 Gev; it has been a stimulus to the theory for cosmic-ray acceleration at supernova shocks; and, on inclusion of diffusion in a galactic wind, it may explain the uniform cosmic-ray density out to 18 kpc in our galaxy. Rapidly streaming electrons in clusters of galaxies, in supernova remnants, and near solar flares are accomodated by the theory when it is expanded to include the effects of hot plasmas and other wave modes. A “resonance gap” may prevent the turning backwards of streaming particles and thus allow streaming near the particle speed.


2004 ◽  
Vol 218 ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
Jacco Vink

The two main aspects of supernova remnant research addressed in this review are: I. What is our understanding of the progenitors of the observed remnants, and what have we learned from these remnants about supernova nucleosynthesis? II. Supernova remnants are probably the major source of cosmic rays. What are the recent advances in the observational aspects of cosmic ray acceleration in supernova remnants?


2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacco Vink ◽  
Felix A. Aharonian ◽  
Werner Hofmann ◽  
Frank Rieger

1995 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
Maurice M. Shapiro

AbstractSupernovae and their expanding shock fronts are evidently the main agents of cosmic-ray acceleration. The thermal gas in the interstellar medium has been regarded as the reservoir of seed particles destined to become cosmic-ray nuclei. This assumption is, however, at variance with the source composition of galactic cosmic iays. In an alternative hypothesis, the seed particles are injected into the interstellar material as suprathermal seed ions, and it has been surmised that flare stars provide the initial boost. We find that the dMe and dKe stars are probably the principal sources of cosmic-ray seed particles. Most stars in the Galaxy are red dwarfs and many of these flares much more powerfully and frequently than solar flares. Augmenting the optical data, recent X-ray and far-ultraviolet observations now permit a better estimate of the energy budget. Altogether, dMe and dKe stars seem to be the most promising class of cosmic-ray injectors.


2014 ◽  
Vol 792 (2) ◽  
pp. 133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilles Ferrand ◽  
Rebecca J. Danos ◽  
Andreas Shalchi ◽  
Samar Safi-Harb ◽  
Paul Edmon ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 642 ◽  
pp. A85 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. de Gasperin ◽  
G. Brunetti ◽  
M. Brüggen ◽  
R. van Weeren ◽  
W. L. Williams ◽  
...  

Context. Ultra-low frequency observations (< 100 MHz) are particularly challenging because they are usually performed in a low signal-to-noise ratio regime due to the high sky temperature and because of ionospheric disturbances whose effects are inversely proportional to the observing frequency. Nonetheless, these observations are crucial for studying the emission from low-energy populations of cosmic rays. Aims. We aim to obtain the first thermal-noise limited (∼1.5 mJy beam−1) deep continuum radio map using the Low Frequency Array’s Low Band Antenna (LOFAR LBA) system. Our demonstration observation targeted the galaxy cluster RX J0603.3+4214 (known as the Toothbrush cluster). We used the resulting ultra-low frequency (39–78 MHz) image to study cosmic-ray acceleration and evolution in the post shock region considering the presence of a radio halo. Methods. We describe the data reduction we used to calibrate LOFAR LBA observations. The resulting image was combined with observations at higher frequencies (LOFAR 150 MHz and VLA 1500 MHz) to extract spectral information. Results. We obtained the first thermal-noise limited image from an observation carried out with the LOFAR LBA system using all Dutch stations at a central frequency of 58 MHz. With eight hours of data, we reached an rms noise of 1.3 mJy beam−1 at a resolution of 18″ × 11″. Conclusions. The procedure we developed is an important step towards routine high-fidelity imaging with the LOFAR LBA. The analysis of the radio spectra shows that the radio relic extends to distances of 800 kpc downstream from the shock front, larger than what is allowed by electron cooling time. Furthermore, the shock wave started accelerating electrons already at a projected distance of < 300 kpc from the crossing point of the two clusters. These results may be explained by electrons being re-accelerated downstream by background turbulence, possibly combined with projection effects with respect to the radio halo.


1965 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 195-225
Author(s):  
R. J. Gould ◽  
G. R. Burbidge

This review concentrates primarily on the problem of interpreting the recent X-ray and γ-ray observations of celestial sources. The expected fluxes of hard radiation from various processes are estimated (when possible) and are compared with the observations. We compute the synchrotron, bremsstrahlung, and (inverse) Compton spectra originating from relativistic electrons produced (via meson production) in the galaxy and intergalactic medium by cosmic ray nuclear collisions; the spectra from π°-decay are also computed. Neutron stars, stellar coronae, and supernova remnants are reviewed as possible X-ray sources. Special consideration is given to the processes in the Crab Nebula. Extragalactic objects as discrete sources of energetic photons are considered on the basis of energy requirements; special emphasis is given to the strong radio sources and the possibility of the emission of hard radiation during their formation. The problem of the detection of cosmic neutrinos is reviewed.As yet, no definite process can be identified with any of the observed fluxes of hard radiation, although a number of relevant conclusions can be drawn on the basis of the available preliminary observational results. In particular, some cosmogonical theories can be tested.


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