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Supernova envelope shock origin of cosmic rays: a review

Conference ·
The hydrodynamic shock origin of cosmic rays in the envelope of a Type I presupernova star is reviewed. The possibility of accelerating ultrahigh energy particles to greater than or equal to 10/sup 18/ eV is unique to the shock mechanism and currently no other suggested galactic or extragalactic site is likely. In this paper a review of the work leading to a renewed commitment to the origin of cosmic rays in the shock ejected envelope of supernova is given. The degree to which this interpretation applies to the origin of all cosmic rays is certainly uncertain and does not exclude the possibility of a fraction of the lower energy cosmic rays being accelerated in collisionless plasma shocks in the interstellar medium. 45 references, 3 figures.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
6534610
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-84-2517; CONF-8406167-4; ON: DE84016479
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English