Particle spectra and mass composition in the ultra-high energy region in the framework of the Galactic origin of cosmic rays

• Published in: EPJ Web of Conferences Vol. 145; p. 6004
• Main Authors: Lagutin, A.A., Volkov, N.V., Tyumentsev, A.G., Raikin, R.I.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Les Ulis EDP Sciences 01-01-2017
• Subjects: Composition; Cosmic rays; Fluxes; Galaxies; Galaxy distribution; High energy astronomy; Solar system
• ISSN: 2100-014X; 2101-6275; 2100-014X
• DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/201614506004

The possibility for a self-consistent description of all the basic features of the observed cosmic ray spectra and primary composition variations in the energy range of 1015 ÷ 1020 eV within the Galactic origin scenario is examined. We assume the existence of Galactic sources that accelerate particles up to ∼ 3 · 1018Z eV and take into account a highly inhomogeneous (fractal-like) distribution of matter and magnetic fields in the Galaxy that leads to extremely large free paths of particles (“Lévy flights”), along with an overwhelming contribution to the cosmic ray fluxes observed above ∼1018 eV from particles reaching the Solar System without scattering. Our scenario was refined on the basis of recent experimental results on primary mass composition. Model predictions, which could be verified with the improved high-precision measurements in the nearest future are discussed.