Correlation of the highest energy cosmic rays with nearby extragalactic objects
Using data collected at the Pierre Auger Observatory during the past 3.7 years, we demonstrate that there is a correlation between the arrival directions of cosmic rays with energy above {approx} 6 x 10{sup 19} eV and the positions of active galactic nuclei (AGN) lying within {approx} 75 Mpc. We reject the hypothesis of an isotropic distribution of these cosmic rays at over 99% confidence level from a prescribed a priori test. The correlation we observe is compatible with the hypothesis that the highest energy particles originate from nearby extragalactic sources whose flux has not been significantly reduced by interaction with the cosmic background radiation. AGN or objects having a similar spatial distribution are possible sources.
- Research Organization:
- Fermi National Accelerator Lab. (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-07CH11359
- OSTI ID:
- 922304
- Report Number(s):
- FERMILAB-PUB-07-579-AD-CD-E-TD; SCEHDK; arXiv eprint number arXiv:0711.2256; TRN: US200803%%427
- Journal Information:
- Science 318:938-943,2007, Vol. 318; ISSN 0193-4511
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
The Origin of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays
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journal | September 1984 |
Possible Clustering of the Most Energetic Cosmic Rays within a Limited Space Angle Observed by the Akeno Giant Air Shower Array
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journal | August 1996 |
Arrival Directions of the Most Energetic Cosmic Rays
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journal | October 1995 |
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