The Nine Lives of Cosmic Rays in Galaxies

• Published in: Annual review of astronomy and astrophysics Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 199 - 246
• Main Authors: Grenier, Isabelle A, Black, John H, Strong, Andrew W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palo Alto Annual Reviews 01-01-2015; Annual Reviews, Inc
• Subjects: Astronomy; Astrophysics; Clouds; Cosmic rays; Cosmology; Dust; Experiments; Galaxies; Interstellar chemistry; Interstellar matter; Interstellar medium; Propagation; rays; Stars & galaxies; Superbubbles; Synchrotron radiation; γ rays
• ISSN: 0066-4146; 1545-4282; 1545-4282
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-astro-082214-122457

Cosmic-ray astrophysics has advanced rapidly in recent years, and its impact on other astronomical disciplines has broadened. Many new experiments measuring these particles, both directly in the atmosphere or space and indirectly via
γ
rays and synchrotron radiation, have widened the range and quality of the information available on their origin, propagation, and interactions. The impact of low-energy cosmic rays on interstellar chemistry is a fast-developing topic, including the propagation of these particles into the clouds in which the chemistry occurs. Cosmic rays, via their
γ
-ray production, also provide a powerful way to probe the gas content of the interstellar medium. Substantial advances have been made in the observations and modelling of the interplay between cosmic rays and the interstellar medium. Focusing on energies up to 1 TeV, these interrelating aspects are covered at various levels of detail, giving a guide to the state of the subject.