In:
International Astronomical Union Colloquium, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 166 ( 1997), p. 187-190
Abstract:
The excess of γ -ray emission in the energy range 3–7 MeV discovered by COMPTEL in the direction of the Orion complex may imply that there is a powerful source of low energy cosmic rays in the local galactic medium. Several interpretations of the excess have been suggested. One of them assumes that the emission is identified with nuclear de-excitation lines of excited 16 O and 14 C. To provide the excess the energy deposit in these nuclei should be as large as ~ 10 39 erg s −1 . If a comparable part of these nuclei escape into the local galactic medium they can play a significant role in the energy balance there. If the excess is interpreted as continuous it can be produced by bremsstrahlung emission of fast 10 MeV electrons. Much less energy deposit in these electrons is necessary (~ 10 36 erg s −1 ) to generate the observed Orion flux. The intensity of these electrons even near Earth can be higher than that of the galactic cosmic ray electrons.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0252-9211
DOI:
10.1017/S0252921100070950
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
1997
