Cosmic-ray propagation in the Galaxy and in the heliosphere - The path-length distribution at low energy

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (163) References (252) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Cosmic-Ray Propagation in the Galaxy and in the Heliosphere: The Path Length Distribution at Low Energy Garcia-Munoz, M. ; Simpson, J. A. ; Guzik, T. G. ; Wefel, J. P. ; Margolis, S. H. Abstract The energy dependence of the path-length distribution of cosmic rays at low energies, below relativistic velocities, is studied, and its implications for models of cosmic-ray confinement and propagation in the Galaxy and Galactic halo, including the effects of a possible Galactic wind, are studied. It is found that the mean free path in Galactic propagation must be fully energy-dependent, with the mean of an exponential path-length distribution increasing with increasing energy below 1 GeV per nucleon and decreasing with increasing energy above 1 GeV per nucleon. This indicates that, at low energies, diffusion is not the controlling process. The path-length distribution is not purely exponential but is depleted in short path lengths at low energies. This depletion is energy-dependent, being largest at low energies and decreasing with increasing energy. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series Pub Date: May 1987 DOI: 10.1086/191197 Bibcode: 1987ApJS...64..269G Keywords: Cosmic Rays; Particle Energy; Radiation Distribution; Wave Propagation; Abundance; Energy Spectra; Mean Free Path; Primary Cosmic Rays; Secondary Cosmic Rays; Space Radiation; COSMIC RAYS: ABUNDANCES; PARTICLE ACCELERATION full text sources ADS |