Cosmic rays linked to supernovae
Posted: Tue, Feb 19, 2013, 6:12 AM ET (1112 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 announces "Grand Challenge" to identify hazardous asteroids
Posted: Wed, Jun 19 6:20 AM ET (1020 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, June 19
Positive online response to planned space lesson
China Daily — 5:53 am ET (0953 GMT) Asteroid Mining Company Planetary Resources Harnesses Freelancer.com Contest Platform For Global Marketing Campaign
PR Newswire — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) Interstellar Space Travel Art Contest Launches
SPACE.com — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) Nigeria Plans to Train Astronauts for Space Travel
This Day (Nigeria) — 5:49 am ET (0949 GMT) Rockets Top Submarines: Space Exploration Dollars Dwarf Ocean Spending
Center for American Progress — 5:49 am ET (0949 GMT) |
