Abstract The insufficiencies of the metal-rich supernova model and of the Wolf-Rayet star model for explaining the isotopic anomalies in GCRS (galactic cosmic ray source) are examined. The main properties of WR stars relevant to the study of GCRS are recalled, with particular emphasis on their chemical excesses and the steep galactic gradient in their distribution. A new model is proposed. It assumes that galactic cosmic rays, which may propagate over significant galactic distances, originate from two main sources (SN and WR). The properties (e.g. chemistry and relative distribution) of these two sources are changing with galactocentric distance. The main results are: −1. In the solar neighbourhood, three particles over 100 originate from WR stars. This fraction appears to increase towards the galactic interior. −2. The bulk of galactic cosmic rays recieved at the earth is mainly a probe of material originating from a distance of 2.5 – 3.0 kpc towards the galactic interior. −3. The isotopic anomalies in GCRS result from the fact that the local galactic medium is compared to matter originating from inner galactic regions where metallicity is higher and where the relative contribution of WR stars (to GCRS and interstellar medium) is higher. The model very well accounts for the various isotopic anomalies observed.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Isotopic anomalies in cosmic rays and winds from Wolf-Rayet stars: A new model


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1984-01-01


    Size :

    11 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Wolf-Rayet Stars and Isotopic Anomalies in Cosmic Rays

    Meynet, G. / Maeder, A. / Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997





    Wolf–Rayet optically thick winds with Alfvén waves

    Keller, G.R. | Online Contents | 2010