Cosmic-Ray Acceleration in Supernova Remnants

Abstract

Supernova Remnants (SNRs) are generally believed to produce the cosmic rays in our Galaxy due to the powerful supernova blast waves generated by expanding SNRs. In contrast to the leptonic cosmic-ray component that is clearly seen by the SNR emission in a wide wavelength range, from radio to high-energy γ-ray, the hadronic cosmic-ray component can be detected only by very high energy γ-ray emission. Galactic SNRs of various ages have been intensively studied at very high energies. Among them are the shell-type SNRs: Tycho’s SNR, Cas A, IC 443, γCygni SNR, G166.0+4.3. The results of investigations of listed SNRs obtained in observations at 800 GeV–100 TeV energies by SHALON telescope are presented with spectral energy distribution and emission maps compared with experimental data from the wide energy range, from radio to high-energy gamma-rays. The TeV emission maps of supernova remnants obtained by SHALON are overlaid with ones viewed in radio- frequencies and X-rays to reveal SNR’s essential features which can lead to the effective generation of cosmic rays. The presented experimental data from high and very high energies are considered together with theoretical predictions to test the cosmic ray origin in these objects.