Is astronomy possible with neutral ultrahigh energy cosmic ray particles existing in the standard model?
- Universite Libre de Bruxelles 1050 (Belgium)
The recently observed correlation between HiRes stereo cosmic ray events with energies E {approx} 10{sup 19} eV and BL Lacertae objects occurs at an angle that strongly suggests that the primary particles are neutral. We analyze whether this correlation, if not a statistical fluctuation, can be explained within the Standard Model, i.e., assuming only known particles and interactions. We have not found a plausible process that can account for these correlations. The mechanism that comes closest-the conversion of protons into neutrons in the IR background of our Galaxy-still underproduces the required flux of neutral particles by about two orders of magnitude. The situation is different at E {approx} 10{sup 20} eV, where the flux of cosmic rays at the Earth may contain up to a few percent of neutrons, indicating their extragalactic sources.
- OSTI ID:
- 21075593
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics, Vol. 106, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1134/S1063776108030084; Copyright (c) 2008 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1063-7761
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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