On the origin of cosmic-ray ionisation in star-forming regions

TL;DR

This paper reviews how low-energy cosmic rays influence ionisation in star-forming regions, affecting gas cooling and magnetic decoupling, which are crucial for star formation processes.

Contribution

It provides an overview of the origin of cosmic rays and their role in ionising interstellar matter in star-forming regions, highlighting recent findings.

Findings

Cosmic rays are the dominant ionisation source beyond certain extinction levels.

Low-energy cosmic rays significantly impact the ionisation fraction in dense molecular clouds.

Understanding cosmic ray origins helps explain ionisation processes in star formation environments.

Abstract

A field with particularly exciting results over the past few years is the study of the interaction of cosmic rays with interstellar matter. For star formation to take place, gas and dust need to be sufficiently cold for gravity to overcome thermal pressure, and the ionisation fraction must be low enough to enable substantial decoupling between the gas and the Galactic magnetic field. As soon as the visual extinction is of the order of 3-4 magnitudes, the ultraviolet photon flux from the interstellar radiation field is fully quenched, thus the only source of ionisation and heating is provided by low-energy cosmic rays. We will briefly focus on the Galactic and local origin of cosmic rays and on their effects on medium ionisation.