Why do we believe ultra high energy cosmic rays come from supernovae?

In summary, there is debate among experts about whether ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHE CRs) are emitted from supernovae. Some sources suggest that supernovae are not large enough to maintain acceleration to the UHE regime, while others propose a link between long duration gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and supernovae as a potential source for UHE CRs. Further research and discussion is ongoing in this field.
  • #1
physics_illiterate
6
0
Why is it that we think ultra high energy cosmic rays are emitted from supernovae.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums physics_illiterate!

Do you have a link to a document which discusses ultra-high energy (UHE)* cosmic rays (CR) being emitted from supernovae? http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/astrophysics/cr_new.html from the University of Utah's Hi-Res group both state that supernovae are unlikely to be sources of UHE CRs; e.g. (from the second source) "However, it is difficult to explain the existence of cosmic rays above 1018 eV, because supernovae are simply not large enough to maintain acceleration to the UHE regime."

However, the huge energies generated in gamma ray bursts (GRB) suggested to many that they might be a source of UHE CR. Recently, the link between at least some "long duration" GRBs and supernovae was established.

http://ws2004.ift.uni.wroc.pl/Lectures/Lipari/SECOND.PDF give a flavour of some current work and thinking.

*the term "ultra-high energy" here means above ~1018 eV.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

FAQ: Why do we believe ultra high energy cosmic rays come from supernovae?

1. What are cosmic rays and how are they formed?

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from outside of our solar system. They are formed by various sources such as supernovae explosions, black holes, and active galaxies.

2. How do cosmic rays impact Earth?

Cosmic rays can have both positive and negative impacts on Earth. They play a crucial role in shaping our planet's atmosphere and can also cause disruptions to electronic devices and satellite communications.

3. What are the dangers of cosmic rays for astronauts?

Cosmic rays can be harmful to astronauts in space due to their high energy levels. They can cause damage to DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Protective measures, such as shielding and limiting exposure time, are in place to minimize these risks.

4. Can we predict when a supernova will occur?

While we can estimate the likelihood of a supernova occurring in a certain star, it is currently not possible to predict when exactly it will happen. However, scientists continue to study and monitor potential supernova candidates in hopes of gaining a better understanding of these explosive events.

5. How do supernovae contribute to the formation of new elements?

Supernovae are responsible for creating and dispersing heavy elements, such as iron and gold, into the universe. The intense energy and heat generated during a supernova explosion can fuse lighter elements together, forming these heavier elements that are essential for life as we know it.

Similar threads

Ultra high energy cosmic ray deflection angle causes by magnetic field
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Could cosmic rays induce a vacuum decay in the future?
Replies
5
Views
847
I Are Cosmic Rays Actually Neutrinos?
Replies
4
Views
1K
A GZK Limit: Exploring Cosmic Ray Energies Beyond 10^20 eV
Replies
3
Views
2K
I What do high-mass X-ray binaries, or HMXBs, tell us?
Replies
1
Views
2K
A Why do novas shine?
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Are Cosmic Rays Intensifying Across the Globe?
Replies
4
Views
8K
I Ultra-high energy photon interactions with matter
Replies
8
Views
1K
Why aren't all Cosmic Ray energies 'effective'?
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
B Cosmic Rays: How Fast Do They Travel?
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top