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Clues to the origin of cosmic rays derived from their source composition and energy spectra

Conference · · Adv. Space Res.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5605765
Cosmic ray composition and energy spectra at source have been recently obtained with good precision. The bulk of the observations suggests that cosmic rays originate in unevolved star surface material. Most cosmic rays should be stellar energetic particles first accelerated by flares out of the coronae of F to M stars, that were later reaccelerated to high energy by strong interstellar shockwaves. The limitations of this two-step scenario and of the other plausible stellar and interstellar models are pointed out. The Ne-22 and carbon excesses at cosmic ray source are accounted for if a minor component (2 percent) of cosmic rays are made of He-burning material, plausibly originating in Wolf-Rayet stars. The possible oxygen and Mg-25, Mg-26 excesses could be interpreted in the same context, but not the Si-29, Si-30 excess. 91 references.
Research Organization:
Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
OSTI ID:
5605765
Report Number(s):
CONF-8406167-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Adv. Space Res.; (United States) Journal Volume: 4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English