Cosmic Rays from the Nucleus of M87
Date
2003
Authors
Donea, A.
Protheroe, R.
Reimer, A.
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Conference paper
Citation
Frontiers of cosmic ray science / T. Kajita ... [et al.] (eds.): pp.695-698
Statement of Responsibility
Alina-C. Donea, Raymond J. Protheroe and Anita Reimer
Conference Name
International Cosmic Ray Conference (28th : 2003 : Tsukuba, Japan)
Abstract
The unresolved nuclear region of M87 emits strong non-thermal emission from radio to X-rays, and this has been interpreted as jet emission from a misaligned BL Lac Object in the context of the Synchrotron Proton Blazar (SPB) model (Protheroe et al 2003). In this model extragalactic cosmic rays are generated as neutrons produced in pion photoproduction interactions decaying into protons after escaping from the host galaxy. Because energetic protons are deflected by the intergalactic magnetic field, the protons from the decay of neutrons emitted in all directions, including along the jet axis where the Doppler factor and hence emitted neutron energies are higher, can contribute to the observed ultra-high energy cosmic rays. We consider the propagation of these cosmic ray protons to Earth and conclude that M87 could account for the observed flux if the extragalactic magnetic field topology were favourable.
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Description
© 2003 by Universal Academy Press