Re-scoping the Particle Astrophysics section of Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics

Abstract

The scope of Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics has included, for some years, `all aspects of cosmic ray particle physics and cosmic ray astrophysics'. In the past decade or two the field described as `cosmic rays' has undergone a transformation. In the traditional area of extensive air showers, this has come about through the recognition of the need to look at many aspects of the largest showers simultaneously, over very large ground areas. The addition of new areas of research, such as neutrino- and ground-based gamma-ray astronomy, has expanded the cosmic ray spectrum greatly. In part, these developments have come about through improving technology; but the largest questions in cosmic rays, such as the origin and nature of the highest energy cosmic rays, have not succumbed easily, despite decades of dedicated work. The prospects of answering them increasingly depend on the development of very large and complex detectors made possible by large-scale collaborations, similar to the case in particle physics. At the last IUPAP Cosmic Ray Conference, in 1997, there were contributions from 31 such collaborations. This is not to say that there is not still room for smaller experiments, as is attested by recent successful observations using Cerenkov Air Telescopes, but even these will, after the pioneering work, require large, complex and expensive arrays to enable a full astronomy to develop at high energies. The quality and importance of this new information coming, and to come, from `cosmic ray' experiments cannot be underestimated. The Journal's editors are aware of these developments and have taken steps to ensure that the field will be well supported in these exciting times. The Editorial Board of Journal of Physics G is advised by an international Sub-Board for Particle Astrophysics. The Sub-Board contains a spread of expertise with great experience in the various fields of cosmic rays. At present it includes Professors Giulio Auriemma (University of Basilicata, Potenza), Maria Giller (University of Lodz), Heinz Völk (MPI Heidelberg) and Gaurang Yodh (University of California, Irvine). This team supports the commitment of the Honorary Editor, Horst Stöcker, to strengthen the pursuit of novel and expanding fields (Editorial, January 1998), and regards particle astrophysics as a natural vehicle for this pursuit. In order to recognise the recent rapid changes in cosmic rays, and the expansion into new fields, the scope of the journal has been altered so that it now states clearly all the areas of particle astrophysics covered by the journal. `The particle astrophysics section includes all aspects of experimental and theoretical research into cosmic rays, high energy astrophysics, gamma ray and neutrino astronomy and dark matter.' Journal of Physics G has some particular strengths that offer real advantages to researchers in the field. In recent years, the journal has been at the forefront of new publishing developments: online availability of full-text articles at no extra cost to institutional subscribers, a searchable 6-year archive, electronic submission of articles, links to thirty years of INSPEC abstracts, and it is always working on new electronic developments for use by readers, authors or referees. The journal is also strongly committed to high levels of author service, and the rapid acceptance and publication of material is the key here. Current average receipt to publication time for regular articles is about 25 weeks, less for Letters to the Editor. All of these features, and the international reputation and integrity of the Institute of Physics, underpin the exciting possibilities in the newly named and re-scoped section of Journal of Physics G. We look forward to seeing it develop. Keith Orford Chair, Sub-Board for Particle Astrophysics