UHECR by lightest nuclei in Nearby Universe and its parasite neutrino trace

TL;DR

This paper proposes that lightest nuclei, particularly helium, explain UHECR observations and their associated neutrino signals, challenging previous proton-based models and aligning with recent Auger data.

Contribution

It introduces the hypothesis that light nuclei like helium are responsible for UHECRs and their neutrino signatures, providing a new interpretation of observational data.

Findings

He-like nuclei explain the absence of Virgo UHECRs.

Cen-A UHECRs are consistent with light nuclei spread.

Secondary neutrino signals are predicted at tens of PeV energies.

Abstract

UHECR mystery survived first Auger claims of AGN connection within a GZK (100 Mpc size) Universe. Last 2010 UHECR maps and compositions do show a much lower correlation with AGN SuperGalactic maps and with protons (the two main ingredient of that claim). The three main AUGER results that survived are: an embarrassing absence of Virgo cluster UHECR, somehow an expected signal; a steady presence of Cen-A clustering and a remarkable signature of nuclei (not nucleon) composition. We claim that the He-like lightest nuclei may solve most of the puzzle: He UHECR cannot arrive from Virgo because light nuclei fragility and opacity; Cen-A UHECR are spread (if He-Li-Be) as much as the observed ones; the light nuclei may fit well Auger composition signature as well as Hires spectra. Future multiplet of half energy UHECR (Eth/Z around 15-30 EeV) must trace in tails overlapping around some of higher UHECR spread . Their secondaries GZK neutrinos will crowd not at thousand PeV as GZK photopion foresee, but more at tens PeV observable maybe in ICECUBE and-or by horizontal tau airshowers in ARGO or by upward tau airshowers nearest to Auger and TA fluorescence telescopes.