Galactic distribution of cosmic-ray particles

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Adv. Space Res.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5828290

Hermsen, W; Bloemen, J B.G.M.

COS-B gamma-ray observations were compared with large-scale HI and CO surveys of different regions of the sky, in order to determine the cosmic-ray density distribution throughout the Galaxy. A calibration for the radio of H2 column density to integrated CO line intensity (NH2/Wco) was also obtained. It is shown that in the region of the large complex of interstellar clouds in Orion and Monoceros, the observed gamma-ray emission can be explained in terms of interactions between cosmic rays with uniform density distribution in the local region, and interstellar gas. The emissivity of cosmic rays in this region (300-5000 MeV) is found to be approximately constant and equal to the local value even at distances of 20 kpc from Galactic center. Calibration of the N(H2)/Wco ratio in Orion and Monoceros, and in the first galactic quadrant gave constant values in the range 2.5-3 x 10 to the 20th molecules per sq cm K/km s. Some possible mechanisms for the anomalous densities observed in the Galactic center region are discussed. 55 references.

• Research Organization: Leiden Rijksuniversiteit, Netherlands
• OSTI ID: 5828290
• Report Number(s): CONF-8406167-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Adv. Space Res.; (United States) Journal Volume: 4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640101* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Cosmic Radiation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ASTRONOMY
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIATION
DENSITY
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTRON DENSITY
FLUIDS
GALAXIES
GAMMA ASTRONOMY
GASES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MILKY WAY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION