| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Biermann, Peter L.
Total Authors: 1
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | JOURNAL OF THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN; v. 77, p. 4-pg., 2008-01-02. |
| Abstract | |
Here we review the various proposals to explain the highest energy cosmic rays, emphasizing what existing data may be able to tell us. We focus on several aspects: First, magnetic fields in the universe are sufficiently strong to influence the path of high energy particles. Any correlation of events with known sources establishes constraints on magnetic fields, or on the nature of the particles. Second, existing theory to fit radio through X-ray spectra of emissions close to black holes from microquasars to powerful quasars allows us to set limits on both flux and maximum energy of any energetic particle flux from an active nucleus. Third, directional correlations between high energy events and active galactic nuclei or other extragalactic candidates such as star burst galaxies or clusters of galaxies require properly defined complete sets. We do not confirm reality of any such correlations. Fourth, we suggest that we have identified traces of the last one or two Gamma Ray Burst our Galaxy through the Galactic Center excess of cosmic rays at 10(18) eV seen by AGASA. We couch all tentative conclusions as suggestions what to look for and possibly find in the existing AGASA and HiRes data sets. It seems overwhelmingly likely that the existing HiRes and AGASA data sets hold clues about high energy cosmic rays which can be looked for in advance of the AUGER data coming out in the next few years. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 00/06695-0 - Galaxy Evolution and Activity |
| Grantee: | Ronaldo Eustaquio de Souza |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |