A new source of cosmic rays. Free Technical Library News

NEWS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NOVELTY IN ELECTRONICS
Free technical library / timeline

New source of cosmic rays

31.10.2012

Researchers from the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) and CEA have discovered a new source of cosmic rays while working with the European astronomical X-ray satellite XMM-Newton. It is located in close proximity to the Arches Star Cluster, not far from the center of our Milky Way galaxy.

Particles of this radiation are accelerated in a shock wave generated by tens of thousands of young Arch stars moving in roughly the same direction at about 700000 km/h. These cosmic rays, interacting with the atoms of the surrounding gas, produce characteristic X-rays. But the origin of these cosmic rays is different from the usual radiation that arises from supernova explosions. It was discovered exactly one hundred years ago by the Austrian physicist Victor Franz Hess. He discovered the existence of ionizing radiation of extraterrestrial origin, which he called cosmic rays. Modern astrophysicists understand their nature very well - when some stars explode and become supernovae at the end of their lives, their matter is ejected at supersonic speed, creating shock waves that accelerate particles. As a result, some atomic nuclei receive very high kinetic energy and enter the Earth's atmosphere.

However, low-energy cosmic rays have not been detected in the region of our planet, as the solar wind prevents them from entering the atmosphere. Therefore, little is known about their chemical composition, since their flow mainly passes outside the solar system. Although everything suggests that they play an important role in the galaxy. For example, the formation of new stars is likely to depend on ionizing and hot dense interstellar clouds.

The authors of the article began by studying X-rays, which theoretically should generate low-energy cosmic rays in the interstellar medium. They then looked for signs of this emission in X-ray data collected by the XMM-Newton telescope over more than a decade of operation.

By analyzing the X-ray properties of interstellar iron from satellite records, they found traces of large, fast-moving ion populations. They come from the vicinity of the Arches star cluster, located at a distance of about a hundred light-years from the center of our Milky Way galaxy. In all likelihood, they occur when the stars of the Arch at high speed collide with a gas cloud on their way. In this particular region, the energy density of accelerated ions is thousands of times greater than that of cosmic rays in the vicinity of the solar system.

This is the first time that a major source of low-energy cosmic rays has been discovered outside the solar system. Everything points to the fact that gas and dust clouds, and not only shock waves of supernovae, as was thought until now, can give high speeds to ions.

<< Back: comets carrying water 01.11.2012

>> Forward: Asus Pad Phone 2 31.10.2012

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

The existence of an entropy rule for quantum entanglement has been proven 09.05.2024

Quantum mechanics continues to amaze us with its mysterious phenomena and unexpected discoveries. Recently, Bartosz Regula from the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing and Ludovico Lamy from the University of Amsterdam presented a new discovery that concerns quantum entanglement and its relation to entropy. Quantum entanglement plays an important role in modern quantum information science and technology. However, the complexity of its structure makes understanding and managing it challenging. Regulus and Lamy's discovery shows that quantum entanglement follows an entropy rule similar to that for classical systems. This discovery opens new perspectives in the field of quantum information science and technology, deepening our understanding of quantum entanglement and its connection to thermodynamics. The results of the study indicate the possibility of reversibility of entanglement transformations, which could greatly simplify their use in various quantum technologies. Opening a new rule ... >>

Mini air conditioner Sony Reon Pocket 5 09.05.2024

Summer is a time for relaxation and travel, but often the heat can turn this time into an unbearable torment. Meet a new product from Sony - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-air conditioner, which promises to make summer more comfortable for its users. Sony has introduced a unique device - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-conditioner, which provides body cooling on hot days. With it, users can enjoy coolness anytime, anywhere by simply wearing it around their neck. This mini air conditioner is equipped with automatic adjustment of operating modes, as well as temperature and humidity sensors. Thanks to innovative technologies, Reon Pocket 5 adjusts its operation depending on the user's activity and environmental conditions. Users can easily adjust the temperature using a dedicated mobile app connected via Bluetooth. Additionally, specially designed T-shirts and shorts are available for convenience, to which a mini air conditioner can be attached. The device can oh ... >>

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Nanotechnology against mosquitoes 20.12.2010

Thailand's National Nanotechnology Center in Bangkok has developed an insecticidal impregnation for mosquito net curtains that lasts five times longer than normal, even with occasional washing of the net.

Such durability is ensured by bringing the insecticide particles to nanosize, so small particles do not settle on the mesh threads, but are built into their structure. The problem of protection against malarial mosquitoes is acute in all tropical countries.

See full Archive of science and technology news, new electronics

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews