- #1
TrevorRyan
- 15
- 0
I was just curious if anybody could give me an in depth explanation. thanks!
NASA-GSFC said:Most galactic cosmic rays are probably accelerated in the blast waves of supernova remnants. This doesn't mean that the supernova explosion itself gets the particles up to these speeds. The remnants of the explosions, expanding clouds of gas and magnetic field, can last for thousands of years, and this is where cosmic rays are accelerated. Bouncing back and forth in the magnetic field of the remnant randomly let's some of the particles gain energy, and become cosmic rays. Eventually they build up enough speed that the remnant can no longer contain them, and they escape into the Galaxy.
Because the cosmic rays eventually escape the supernova remnant, they can only be accelerated up to a certain maximum energy, which depends upon the size of the acceleration region and the magnetic field strength.
However, cosmic rays have been observed at much higher energies than supernova remnants can generate, and where these ultra-high-energies come from is a big question. Perhaps they come from outside the Galaxy, from active galactic nuclei, quasars or gamma ray bursts. Or perhaps they're the signature of some exotic new physics: superstrings, exotic dark matter, strongly-interacting neutrinos, or topological defects in the very structure of the universe. Questions like these tie cosmic-ray astrophysics to basic particle physics and the fundamental nature of the universe.
Particle Astro Physics is a branch of astrophysics that studies the behavior and interactions of particles in the universe. This includes subatomic particles, such as electrons and protons, as well as larger particles like atoms and molecules.
Particle Astro Physics is closely related to astronomy because it helps us understand the fundamental building blocks of the universe and how they interact with each other. By studying particles, we can gain insights into the formation and evolution of celestial bodies, such as stars and galaxies.
Some key areas of research in Particle Astro Physics include dark matter and dark energy, cosmic rays, high-energy particles, and the origins of the universe. Scientists also study the properties and behavior of particles in extreme environments, such as black holes and supernovae explosions.
Scientists use a variety of methods to study particles in space. This includes using telescopes and detectors to observe and measure the radiation and particles emitted from celestial objects. They also conduct experiments on Earth, such as particle accelerators, to simulate and study the conditions in the early universe.
Particle Astro Physics is important because it helps us understand the fundamental laws and processes that govern the universe. By studying particles, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the universe formed and evolved, and how it continues to change over time. This knowledge can also have practical applications, such as in the development of new technologies and advancements in space exploration.