AbstractOur galaxy is filled with a “gas” of relativistic nuclei and electrons – the galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). The source of GCR nuclei is unknown, but there is a general consensus among high-energy astrophysicists that GCRs are accelerated by supernova (SN) shocks in the interstellar medium. The evidence in support of this picture is strong but indirect. However, the fact that the cosmic-ray spectrum extends continuously, without steps or peaks, to more than five orders of magnitude in energy beyond the limit of SN shock acceleration appears to be incompatible with this picture, at least without extreme fine-tuning of models. A “smoking gun” is needed to definitively establish that SN shocks are indeed the accelerator of GCRs. If GCRs are accelerated in SN shocks, they will be enhanced in freshly-synthesized r-process material. We are currently studying the R-process Isotope Observer (RIO) as a Mission of Opportunity for the International Space Station. RIO will make the first measurements of the isotopic abundances of the “ultraheavy” GCRs (those in the range 32⩽Z⩽42) and will determine the fractional contribution of freshly-synthesized r-process material in GCRs through the measurement of several key isotopic ratios.


    Zugriff

    Zugriff prüfen

    Verfügbarkeit in meiner Bibliothek prüfen

    Bestellung bei Subito €


    Exportieren, teilen und zitieren



    Titel :

    RIO: the R-process isotope observer


    Beteiligte:
    Weaver, B.A. (Autor:in) / Westphal, A.J. (Autor:in)

    Erschienen in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 35 , 1 ; 167-172


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2003-08-16


    Format / Umfang :

    6 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch




    RIO: the R-process isotope observer

    Weaver, B.A. | Online Contents | 2005


    RIO: the R-process isotope observer

    Weaver, B. A. / Westphal, A. J. / COSPAR | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2005



    Progress in laboratory performance verification of the R-process Isotope Observer

    Weaver, B. A. / Westphal, A. J. / Yasuda, N. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006


    Progress in laboratory performance verification of the R-process Isotope Observer

    Weaver, B.A. / Westphal, A.J. / Yasuda, N. et al. | Elsevier | 2005