Proposal for the detection of dispersion in radiowave propagation through intergalactic space.
Ionized intergalactic gas detection by dispersion of radio waves from quasar CTA 102
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On the density of neutral hydrogen in intergalactic space.
Density of neutral hydrogen in intergalactic space, using spectroscopic examination of quasi- stellar source 3C 9
QUASI-STELLAR RADIO SOURCE /QSO/↗
Extragalactic cosmic rays and the galactic magnetic field
The origin and behavior of cosmic rays in the Galaxy depend crucially upon whether the galactic magnetic field has a closed topology, as does the field of earth, or whether a major fraction of the lines of force connect into extragalactic space. This paper examines the structure of a galactic field that opens initially into intergalactic space and, with the inclusion of turbulent diffusion, finds no possibility for maintaining a significant magnetic connection with an extragalactic field. Unless some mechanism can be found, we are forced to the conclusion that the field is closed, that cosmic rays are of galactic origin, and that cosmic rays escape from the Galaxy only by pushing their way out.
Parker, E. N.↗
Extragalactic Backgrounds in the Far UV and Exploring Star Formation at High Redshifts with Gamma-ray Observations
The determination of the intergalactic photon densities from the FIR to the UV which is produced by stellar emission and dust reradiation at various redshifts can provide an independent measure of the star formation history of the universe. Using recent Spitzer and GALEX data in conjunction with other observational inputs, Stecker, Malkan and Scully have calculated the intergalactic photon density as a function of both energy and redshift for 0 < zeta < 6 for photon energies from 0.003 eV to the Lyman limit cutoff at 13.6 eV in a ACDM universe with Omega(sub Lambda) = 0.7 and Omega(sub m) = 0.3. Their results are based on backwards evolution models for galaxies which were developed by Malkan and Stecker previously. The calculated background SEDs at zeta = 0 are in good agreement with the present observational data and limits. The calculated intergalactic photon densities as a function of redshift were used to predict to extend the absorption of high energy 7-rays in intergalactic space from sources such as blazars and quasars, this absorption being produced by interactions the y-rays with the intergalactic FIR-UV photons having the calculated densities. The results are in excellent agreement with absorption features found in the low gamma-ray spectra of Mkn 421, Mkn 501 at, zeta = 0.03 and PKS
Stecker, Floyd W.↗
Gamma-Ray Absorption by the Cosmic Lyman Continuum from Star-forming Galaxies
Motivated by the discovery of the ultra-strong emission-line starburst galaxies (EELGs) known as “green pea galaxies,” in this work we consider their contribution to the intergalactic flux of ionizing UV at high redshifts. Most galaxies that have been observed show a precipitous drop in the flux blueward of their Lyman limit. However, recent observations of EELGs have discovered that many more Lyman continuum photons escape from them into intergalactic space than previously suspected. We calculate their contribution to the extragalactic background light. We also calculate the effect of these photons on the absorption of high-energyγ-rays. For the more distantγ-ray sources, particularly at z >/ 3, an intergalactic opacity above a few GeV is significantly higher than previous estimates which ignored the Lyman continuum photons. We calculate the results of this increased opacity onobservedγ-ray spectra, which produce a high-energy turnover starting at lower energies than previously thought, and a gradual spectral steepening that may also be observable.
Jordan B Camp↗
A meeting with the universe: Science discoveries from the space program
A general history of space exploration is presented. The solar system is discussed. The Sun-Earth relationship is considered, including magnetic fields, solar wind, the magnetosphere, and the Sun-weather relationship. The universe beyond the solar system is discussed. Topics include stellar and galactic evolution, quasars and intergalactic space. The effects of weightlessness and ionizing radiation on human beings are considered. The possibility of extraterrestrial life is discussed. Lunar and planetary exploration, solar-terrestrial physics, astrophysics, biomedical research and exobiology are reviewed. Numerons color illustrations are included.
French, B. M.↗
High energy cosmic gamma rays.
High energy gamma rays with origin in interstellar or intergalactic space, noting radio source output
GAMMA RADIATION↗
Cosmic X rays and gamma rays
Diffuse cosmic X and gamma ray spectrum analysis, considering implications for Compton scattering models in intergalactic space
Ipavich, F. M.↗
Three investigations of the interstellar medium
Attenuation of X rays in intersteller and intergalactic space and physical state of hydrogen cloud
Schocken, K.↗
The extended X-ray source at M87.
It is shown that the X-ray source in Virgo must be intimately associated with the galaxy M87, as evidenced by the coincidence of the source centroid location with the galaxy. Although the presented results do not completely explain the origin of the X rays from the Virgo cluster, they do indicate that the bulk of the emission does not come from the nucleus or the jet, and they also indicate the presence of strong energy processes in a region surrounding M87. One view of the origin of these X rays is that they are due to relativistic electrons ejected from M87, and interacting with magnetic or radiation fields in intergalactic space by the synchrotron of inverse Compton process. The other view holds that the X rays could be due to thermal emission from a hot plasma.
Kellogg, E.↗
Cluster of galaxies as a probe of the intergalactic medium
The use of galactic clusters as probes of the intercluster medium is discussed, and the effects of a postulated hot intercluster medium on the diffuse gas associated with clusters of galaxies is examined. It is shown that diffuse intracluster gas, which is observed at X-ray wavelengths, is a powerful probe of intergalactic space. The consequences of conduction are explored and the existence and properties of the intracluster gas are used to constrain the temperature and density of a uniform gas filling the universe. The effects of a nonuniform medium on the results are discussed and it is shown that for plausible scenarios the evaporative mass loss rates are insensitive to changes in the density and temperature of the intracluster medium in the vicinity of clusters. The parameters such a gas would have to have in order to explain the larger energy per unit mass found in the intracluster gas compared to that in galaxies are calculated.
Forman, W.↗
Search for 511 keV electron-positron annihilation radiation from mildly active galaxies using the HEAO 3 gamma-ray spectrometer
The HEAO 3 spacecraft's gamma-ray spectrometer has been used to obtain upper limits to the 511-keV electron-positron annihilation line flux from seven galaxies: M 81/M 82, NGC 4278, M 104, NGC 6500, NGC 2911, and NGC 262. These appear to contain scaled-up versions of the radio source in the galactic center, and their nonthermal activity appears to be confined to the central regions, implying that energetic particles produced in these nuclei do not escape into the low density regions of interstellar or intergalactic space. On the basis of the scaling law adopted, six of these seven galaxies should have been detected above the upper limits obtained for narrow 511 keV emission. Explanations are adduced which account for the scaling law's failure to predict the correct level of radiation annihilation.
Marscher, A. P.↗
Gas flows in S-E binary systems of galaxies
Tidal interaction between the galaxies in binary systems leads to important consequences. Some peculiarities in galactic morphology as well as the transfer of matter from one galaxy to another may be due to this factor. In particular, gas flows in intergalactic space may be formed. Such flows enriching one component with gas from the other may play a substantial role in the evolution of mixed (S-E) pairs. One can mention several facts corroborating the possibility of the gas transfer from the spiral to the elliptical galaxy. High HI content (10(exp 7) to 10(exp 9) solar mass) is detected in nearly 40 E galaxies (Bottinelli and Gougenheim, 1979; Knapp et al., 1985). Such galaxies are often members of pairs or of multiple systems including an S galaxy, which may be the source of gas (Smirnov and Komberg, 1980). Moreover, the gas kinematics and its distribution also indicate an external origin for this gas (Knapp et al., 1985). In many cases there is an outer gaseous disk. The directions of the disk and of stellar rotation don't always coincide (van Gorkom et al., 1985; Varnas et al., 1987). The galaxy colors in S-E pairs are correlated (the Holmberg effect): bluer ellipticals have spiral components that are usually bluer (Demin et al., 1984). The fraction of E galaxies with emission lines (N sub em) in S-E pairs showing traces of tidal interaction is twice as large (N sub em approx. equals 0.24) as in pairs without interaction (N sub em approx. equals 0.12) (Sotnikova, 1988b). Since the presence of emission lines in a galaxy spectrum strongly depends on gas content, this fact also leads to the conclusion that ellipticals in interacting S-E pairs are enriched with gas. These facts may be considered as a serious indication of the existence of gas transfer. Hence, investigation of this process is of interest.
Sotnikova, N. YA.↗
Some aspects of the scientific significance of high energy gamma ray astrophysics
The attraction of high energy gamma-ray astronomy lies in this radiation relating directly to those processes in astrophysical situations which deviate most from thermo-dynamic equilibrium. Some examples of these phenomena which are known to or expected to emit gamma rays are cosmic rays as they interact in intergalactic space, the high energy particles in the magnetic fields of neutron stars, the death of a black hole, the explosion and residual of a supernova, lumps of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, energetic solar particles interacting near the sun, and very high energy particles in the extreme conditions associated with active galaxies. Although the intensities are known to be low as seen near the earth, a partially compensating characteristic is that the very penetrating nature of high energy gamma rays increases the probability that they can escape from their origin and reach the solar system.
Fichtel, Carl E.↗
Reaction rate and energy-loss rate for photopair production by relativistic nuclei
The process of e(+/-) pair production by relativistic nuclei on ambient photons is considered. The process is important for cosmic-ray nuclei in interstellar and intergalactic space as well as in galactic and extragalactic compact objects. The rate of this process is given by an integral of the cross section over the photon angular and energy distribution. In the case of isotropic photons, the angular integration is performed to provide an expression for the rate at given photon energy in the nucleus rest frame. The total rate then becomes a single integral of that rate over the photon energy distribution. Formulas are also given for the fractional energy loss of a relativistic nucleus colliding with a photon of a given energy in the rest frame. The nucleus energy-loss rate is integrated over the photon angular distribution in the case of isotropic photons, and simple fits are provided.
Chodorowski, Michal J.↗
Photodisintegration of Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Rays: A New Determination
We present the results of a new calculation of the photodisintegration of ultrahigh energy cosmic-ray (UHCR) nuclei in intergalactic space. The critical interactions for energy loss and photodisintegration of UHCR nuclei occur with photons of the 2.73 K cosmic background radiation (CBR) and with photons of the infrared background radiation (IBR). We have reexamined this problem making use of a new determination of the IBR based on empirical data, primarily from IRAS galaxies, consistent with direct measurements and upper limits from TeV gamma-ray observations. We have also improved the calculation by including the specific threshold energies for the various photodisintegration interactions in our Monte Carlo calculation. With the new smaller IBR flux, the steepness of the Wien side of the now relatively more important CBR makes their inclusion essential for more accurate results. Our results indicate a significant increase in the propagation time of UHCR nuclei of a given energy over previous results. We discuss the possible significance of this for UHCR origin theory.
Stecker, F. W.↗
Intergalactic Photon Spectra from the Far-IR to the UV Lyman Limit for 0 < z < 6 and the Optical Depth of the Universe to High-Energy Gamma Rays
We calculate the intergalactic photon density as a function of both energy and redshift for 0<z<6 for photon energies from.003 eV to the Lyman limit cutoff at 13.6 eV in a (Omega)CDM universe with (Omega)(Lambda)=0.7 and (Omega)m=0.3. The basic features of our backward-evolution model for galaxies were developed in earlier papers by Malkan & Stecker. With a few improvements, we find that this evolutionary model gives predictions of new deep number counts from Spitzer, as well as a calculation of the spectral energy distribution of the diffuse infrared background, which are in good agreement with the data. We then use our calculated intergalactic photon densities to extend previous work on the absorption of high-energy Gamma-rays in intergalactic space owing to interactions with low-energy photons and the 2.7 K cosmic microwave background radiation. We calculate the optical depth of the universe, Tau , for Gamma-rays having energies from 4 GeV to 100 TeV emitted by sources at redshifts from 0 to 5. We also give an analytic fit with numerical coefficients for approximating (E(Gamma), z). As an example of the application of our results, we calculate the absorbed spectrum of the blazar PKS 2155-304 at z=0.117 and compare it with the spectrum observed by the HESS air Cerenkov Gamma-ray telescope array.
Stecker, F. W.↗
Poynting Robertson Battery and the Chiral Magnetic Fields of AGN Jets
We propose that the magnetic fields in the accretion disks of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are generated by azimuthal electric currents due to the difference between the plasma electron and ion velocities that arises when the electrons are retarded by interactions with the AGN photons (the Poynting Robertson battery). This process provides a unique relation between the polarity of the poloidal B field to the angular velocity Omega of the accretion disk (B is parallel to Omega), a relation absent in the more popular dynamo B-field generation. This then leads to a unique direction for the toroidal B field induced by disk rotation. Observations of the toroidal fields of 29 AGN jets revealed by parsec-scale Faraday rotation measurements show a clear asymmetry that is consistent with this model, with the probability that this asymmetry comes about by chance being approx.0.06 %. This lends support to the hypothesis that the universe is seeded by B fields that are generated in AGNs via this mechanism and subsequently injected into intergalactic space by the jet outflows.
Kazanas, Demosthenes↗