Galactic gamma-ray distribution - implications for galactic structure and the radial cosmic-ray gradient

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/163087· OSTI ID:6055661

Harding, A K; Stecker, F W

The radial distribution of gamma ray emissivity in the Galaxy was derived from flux longitude profiles, using both the final SAS-2 results and the recently corrected COS-B results and analyzing the northern and southern galactic regions separately. The recent CO surveys of the Southern Hemisphere were used in conjunction with the Northern Hemisphere data, to derive the radial distribution of cosmic rays on both sides of the galactic plane. In addition to the 5 kpc ring, there is evidence from the radial asymmetry for spiral features which are consistent with those derived from the distribution of bright H II regions. Positive evidence was also found for a strong increase in the cosmic ray flux in the inner Galaxy, particularly in the 5 kpc region in both halves of the plane. 39 references.

• Research Organization: NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
• OSTI ID: 6055661
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 291; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BACKGROUND NOISE
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIATION
DISTRIBUTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSIVITY
FLUIDS
GALAXIES
GAMMA RADIATION
GASES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MILKY WAY
MORPHOLOGY
NOISE
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
SURFACE PROPERTIES