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SAS-2 gamma-ray results from the galactic plane and their implications for galactic structure and galactic cosmic-ray dynamicsThe final SAS-2 results related to high energy galactic gamma-ray emission show a strong correlation with galactic structural features seen at other wavelenghts, when the known gamma-ray sources are subtracted. Theoretical considerations and analysis of the gamma-ray data suggest that the galactic cosmic rays are dynamically coupled to the interstellar matter through the magnetic fields, and hence the cosmic ray density is enhanced where the matter density is greatest on the scale of the galactic arms. This concept has been explored in a galactic model that assumes: (1) cosmic rays are galactic and not universal; (2)on the scale of the galactic arms, the cosmic ray column (surface) density is proportional to the total interstellar gas column density; (3)the cosmic ray scale height is significantly larger than the scale height to the matter; and (4) ours is a spiral galaxy characterized by an arm to interarm density ratio of over 2:1.
Document ID
19780003968
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fichtel, C. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kniffen, D. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Thompson, D. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: ESA Recent Advan. in Gamma-Ray Astronomy
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Accession Number
78N11911
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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