Investigating the Role of Pre-supernova Massive Stars in the Acceleration of Galactic Cosmic Rays

TL;DR

This paper explores how pre-supernova massive stars, especially in binary systems, may contribute to the acceleration of galactic cosmic rays, supplementing the known role of supernova remnants.

Contribution

It investigates the potential role of pre-supernova massive stars in cosmic ray acceleration, a less studied source compared to supernova remnants.

Findings

Pre-supernova massive stars can accelerate particles before supernova explosions.

Binary systems may enhance the efficiency of cosmic ray acceleration.

Complementary sources like pre-supernova stars are significant in cosmic ray origin models.

Abstract

Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) constitute a significant part of the energy budget of our Galaxy, and the study of their accelerators is of high importance in modern astrophysics. Their main sources are likely supernova remnants (SNRs). These objects are capable to convert a part of their mechanical energy into accelerated charged particles. However, even though the mechanical energy reservoir of SNRs is promising, a conversion rate into particle energy of 10 to 20% is necessary to feed the population of GCRs. Such an efficiency is however not guaranteed. Complementary sources deserve thus to be investigated. This communication aims to address the question of the contribution to the acceleration of GCRs by pre-supernova massive stars in binary or higher multiplicity systems