Composition And Origin Of Cosmic Rays

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, Ettore Majorana Centre, Erice, Sicily, Italy, June 20-30, 1982

The cosmic radiation was discovered by Hess in 1912 but its origin is still the subject of much controversy and considerable study. For several decades most workers in the cosmic ray field were interested in the Nuclear Physical aspect of the particle beam and many important dis coveries were made, notably the identification of the positron, the muon, the pion and the strange particles. More recently however, em phasis has changed to the Astrophysical aspect both with re8ard to the origin of the radiation and to its relation with the other radiation fields. Mindful of the increasing importance of the Astrophysical facets of the subject the Cosmic Ray Commission of IUPAP approached the High Energy Astrophysics Commission of the IAU with the suggestion of a joint Symposium on Cosmic Ray Origin. The plan was to bring together workers in all the various astronomical fields - from Radio, through Optical to Gamma Rays - with Cosmic Ray physicists and to fully explore the various interrelations. The approach was received with enthusiasm and this book contains the proceedings of the ensuing Symposium, (styled IUPAP/ IAU Symposium No. 94) which was held in Bologna from 11th - 14th June 1980. Virtually all the papers presented are reproduced here. The Scientific Organizing Committee chose the invited speakers whose papers formed the major scientific component of the meeting. Additional short contributed papers were also called for and very brief 2-page resumes (which have not been refereed) are given in the proceedings.

The Origin of Cosmic Rays examines the astrophysical phenomena that cause cosmic rays. The title details the concerns in the study of tracing the sources of cosmic rays. The text presents the primary cosmic rays on earth, and then proceeds to tackling ling the cosmic magnetic bremsstrahlung radio emission and cosmic rays in the universe. Next, the selection deals with the motion of cosmic rays in the interstellar medium and the origin of cosmic rays. The text also talks about the quantitative galactic theory of the origin of cosmic rays. The book will be of great use to astronomers, astrophysicists, and scientists who studies phenomena that involves celestial bodies.

This revised edition provides an up-to-date summary of the field of ultra-high energy cosmic rays, dealing with their origin, propagation, and composition,. The authors reflect the enormous strides made since the first edition in the realm of experimental work, in particular the use of vastly improved, more sensitive and precise detectors. The level remains introductory and pedagogical, suitable for students and researchers interested in moving into this exciting field. Throughout the text, the authors focus on giving an introductory overview of the key physics issues, followed by a clear and concise description of experimental approaches and current results. Key Features: Updates the most coherent summary of the field available, with new text that provides the reader with clear historical context. Brand new discussion of contemporary space-based experiments and ideas for extending ground-based detectors. Completely new discussion of radio detection methods. Includes a new chapter on small to intermediate-scale anisotropy. Offers new sections on modern hadronic models and software packages to simulate showers.