Cosmic Ray Acceleration in Supernova Remnants

TL;DR

This paper reviews observational and theoretical evidence for supernova remnants as the primary sources of Galactic cosmic rays, emphasizing recent modeling advances and current observational status.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the supernova remnant paradigm, highlighting recent developments in diffusive shock acceleration modeling and observational constraints.

Findings

Magnetic field amplification enhances particle acceleration.

Heavy nuclei are efficiently accelerated in supernova remnants.

Current gamma-ray observations support the supernova remnant origin hypothesis.

Abstract

We review the main observational and theoretical facts about acceleration of Galactic cosmic rays in supernova remnants, discussing the arguments in favor and against a connection between cosmic rays and supernova remnants, the so-called supernova remnant paradigm for the origin of Galactic cosmic rays. Recent developments in the modeling of the mechanism of diffusive shock acceleration are discussed, with emphasis on the role of 1) magnetic field amplification, 2) acceleration of nuclei heavier than hydrogen, 3) presence of neutrals in the circumstellar environment. The status of the supernova-cosmic ray connection in the time of Fermi-LAT and Cherenkov telescopes is also discussed.