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
|
|
California commission votes against increase in SpaceX Vandenberg launches
Posted: Sun, Aug 17 11:32 AM ET (1532 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, August 21
SpaceX’s Expensive Starship Explosions Are Starting to Add Up
Bloomberg News — 5:02 am ET (0902 GMT) Abolition of independent UK Space Agency welcomed by industry
New Civil Engineer — 5:00 am ET (0900 GMT) Webb Telescope Images Previously Unknown Moon of Uranus
Aviation Week — 4:59 am ET (0859 GMT) The true cost of colonizing space
Baltimore Sun — 4:58 am ET (0858 GMT) FAA’s informed consent rules leave space tourists flying blind
Space News — 4:58 am ET (0858 GMT) |
