Cosmic Ray Space Experiments

TL;DR

This paper reviews space-based experiments measuring cosmic ray particles across a wide energy range, analyzing their spectra, composition, and potential sources, including antimatter components, to understand cosmic ray origins and acceleration mechanisms.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent space experiments on cosmic rays, highlighting new measurements and analyses of spectra, composition, and antimatter searches.

Findings

Cosmic ray spectra extend up to 10^5 GV in magnetic rigidity.

Evidence of galactic origin for cosmic rays in the studied energy range.

Searches for anti-nuclei and anomalies in electron/positron spectra conducted.

Abstract

This article describes experiments in space which measure charged cosmic ray particles in the range from $10\,\mathrm{GV}$ to $10^5\,\mathrm{GV}$ of magnetic rigidity $p/(Ze)$. In this energy range, cosmic rays are expected to originate from sources in the Milky Way and be confined to our galaxy. Spectra of nuclei and their chemical composition are discussed. The spectrum of antiprotons and the search for heavier anti-nuclei are covered. All spectra and especially those of electrons and positrons are analysed for indications of unconventional particle sources, acceleration or transport mechanisms.