Observation of a large-scale anisotropy in the arrival directions of cosmic rays above 8 × 1018 eV
- PMID:28935800
- DOI: 10.1126/science.aan4338
Observation of a large-scale anisotropy in the arrival directions of cosmic rays above 8 × 1018 eV
Abstract
Cosmic rays are atomic nuclei arriving from outer space that reach the highest energies observed in nature. Clues to their origin come from studying the distribution of their arrival directions. Using 3 × 104 cosmic rays with energies above 8 × 1018 electron volts, recorded with the Pierre Auger Observatory from a total exposure of 76,800 km2 sr year, we determined the existence of anisotropy in arrival directions. The anisotropy, detected at more than a 5.2σ level of significance, can be described by a dipole with an amplitude of [Formula: see text] percent toward right ascension αd = 100 ± 10 degrees and declination δd = [Formula: see text] degrees. That direction indicates an extragalactic origin for these ultrahigh-energy particles.
Copyright © 2017 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
Comment in
- New angle on cosmic rays.Gallagher JS 3rd, Halzen F.Gallagher JS 3rd, et al.Science. 2017 Sep 22;357(6357):1240-1241. doi: 10.1126/science.aao5651.Science. 2017.PMID:28935794No abstract available.
- High-energy cosmic rays come from outside our Galaxy.Castelvecchi D.Castelvecchi D.Nature. 2017 Sep 21;549(7673):440-441. doi: 10.1038/nature.2017.22655.Nature. 2017.PMID:28959989No abstract available.
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