Supernova explosions of massive stars and cosmic rays

TL;DR

This paper explores the origins of cosmic rays from massive star explosions, differentiates spectral components using AMS data, and links cosmic ray observations to black hole mergers and gamma-ray bursts.

Contribution

It introduces a dual-component model of cosmic rays from massive stars and tests it against AMS data, connecting cosmic ray features to astrophysical phenomena like black hole mergers.

Findings

Identification of two cosmic ray components: polar cap and 4π.

AMS data supports the dual-component spectral model.

Interpretation of radio source 41.9+58 as a binary black hole merger.

Abstract

Most cosmic ray particles observed derive from the explosions of massive stars, which commonly produce stellar black holes in their supernova explosions. When two such black holes find themselves in a tight binary system they finally merge in a gigantic emission of gravitational waves, events that have now been detected. After an introduction (section 1) we introduce the basic concept (section 2): Cosmic rays from exploding massive stars with winds always show two cosmic ray components at the same time: (i) the weaker polar cap component only produced by Diffusive Shock Acceleration with a cut-off at the knee, and (ii) the stronger $4 \pi$ component with a down-turn to a steeper power-law spectrum at the knee, and a final cutoff at the ankle. In section 3 we use the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) data to differentiate these two cosmic ray spectral components. The ensuing secondary spectra can explain anti-protons, lower energy positrons, and other secondary particles. Triplet pair production may explain the higher energy positron AMS data. In section 4 we test this paradigm with a theory of injection based on a combined effect of first and second ionization potential; this reproduces the ratio of Cosmic Ray source abundances to source material abundances. In section 5 we interpret the compact radio source 41.9+58 in the starburst galaxy M82 as a recent binary black hole merger, with an accompanying gamma ray burst. This can also explain the Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray (UHECR) data in the Northern sky. Thus, by studying the cosmic ray particles, their abundances at knee energies, and their spectra, we can learn about what drives these stars to produce the observed cosmic rays.