Cosmic Ray Astronomy

TL;DR

Cosmic ray astronomy aims to identify ultrahigh energy cosmic ray sources using charged particles, with new detectors increasing exposure and reducing magnetic deflection, but no sources have been definitively found yet.

Contribution

This paper summarizes the current status, detectors, and analysis techniques in cosmic ray astronomy, highlighting recent advancements and challenges.

Findings

No discrete sources identified so far

New detectors are increasing exposure at highest energies

Magnetic deflection minimized at ultrahigh energies

Abstract

Cosmic ray astronomy attempts to identify and study the sources of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays. It is unique in its reliance on charged particles as the information carriers. While no discrete source of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays has been identified so far, a new generation of detectors is acquiring the huge exposure that is needed at the highest energies, where deflection by magnetic fields is minimized and the background from distant sources is eliminated by pion photoproduction. In this paper, we summarize the status of cosmic ray astronomy, describing the detectors and the analysis techniques.