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
|
|
FAA restricts hours for commercial launches during shutdown
Posted: Sun, Nov 9 9:05 AM ET (1405 GMT) China postpones Shenzhou-20 return on orbital debris concerns
Posted: Sun, Nov 9 8:58 AM ET (1358 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, November 16
Estonia will allocate funds for the purchase of Starlink for Ukraine.
Pryamiy — 3:11 am ET (0811 GMT) Virgin Galactic says commercial flights are on track to resume in fourth quarter of 2026
Albuquerque Journal — 3:08 am ET (0808 GMT) Record doubleheader: SpaceX launches 2 Falcon 9 rockets from Florida
UPI — 3:07 am ET (0807 GMT) SpaceX to Launch Ocean-Monitor Sunday Night at Vandenberg
Noozhawk — 3:07 am ET (0807 GMT) Space exploration, trade and investment on radar as South Korean president visits UAE
The National (UAE) — 3:06 am ET (0806 GMT) |
