English

Cosmic Particle Acceleration: Basic Issues

Astrophysics 2007-05-23 v1

Abstract

Cosmic-rays are ubiquitous, but their origins are surprisingly difficult to understand. A review is presented of some of the basic issues common to cosmic particle accelerators and arguments leading to the likely importance of diffusive shock acceleration as a general explanation. The basic theory of diffusive shock acceleration is outlined, followed by a discussion of some of the key issues that still prevent us from a full understanding of its outcomes. Some recent insights are mentioned at the end that may help direct ultimate resolution of our uncertainties.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.astro-ph/0012483,
  title  = {Cosmic Particle Acceleration: Basic Issues},
  author = {T. W. Jones},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/0012483},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

14 pages, 1 figure. Invited review from the 7th Taipei workshop on astrophysics. To be published as an ASP Conference Proceedings