On the Origin of the Highest Energy Cosmic Rays

Details On the Origin of the Highest Energy Cosmic Rays On the Origin of the Highest Energy Cosmic Rays

1997-10-30

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9710353v1

Phys.Rev.Lett.80:1816-1817,1998

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

2 pages revtex with one figure, submitted to Physical Review Letters

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.80.1816

We present the results of a new estimation of the photodisintegration and propagation of ultrahigh energy cosmic ray (UHCR) nuclei in intergalactic space. The critical interactions for photodisintegration and energy loss of UHCR nuclei occur with photons of the infrared background radiation (IBR). We have reexamined this problem making use of a new determination of the IBR based on empirical data, primarily from IRAS galaxies, and also collateral information from TeV gamma-ray observations of two nearby BL Lac objects. Our results indicate that a 200 EeV Fe nucleus can propagate apx. 100 Mpc through the IBR. We argue that it is possible that the highest energy cosmic rays observed may be heavy nuclei.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the Origin of the Highest Energy Cosmic Rays does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On the Origin of the Highest Energy Cosmic Rays, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Origin of the Highest Energy Cosmic Rays will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-638861