Researchers have derived fresh insight into the interactions of cosmic rays and magnetic fields through the galactic comet Terzan 5. Published in Nature Astronomy, this finding represents an enormous leap in the discipline of astrophysics. This blog explores how the star cluster Terzan 5 was utilized to investigate the mystery regarding the inception of cosmic rays.
A Quick Look Into Cosmic Rays
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that move through outer space with a speed quite akin to that of light. Their origins have remained a mystery for all these years and have fascinated scientists since they were found. The Austrian-American scientist Victor Hess made the initial discovery of them in 1912. Hess was able to determine that their source lies outside of Earth. He studied how radiation levels heightened with rising altitude, even when solar eclipses occurred. This helped discern them from Earth’s radioactive particles and greatly impacted the comprehension of the roots of radiation.
Magnetic Fields’ Effect On Cosmic Rays
However, even after this discovery, the birth and nature of cosmic rays have eluded scientists. These astroparticles consist of atomic nuclei and particles. As a consequence, they can be sidetracked by magnetic fields. This further makes it difficult to track down their point of emergence. Contact with magnetic fields disrupts their behavior. The constant fluctuation of interstellar magnetic fields scatters them in different directions. This breaks their direct course to Earth. As a result, there is an equal dispersion of cosmic rays throughout the sky.
Until now, these were some of the only facts known to us regarding cosmic rays. This new discovery has resolved the puzzle regarding the particles’ change of direction due to magnetic oscillations.
Understanding The Galactic Comet Terzan 5
A spherical star cluster, Terzan 5, lies close to the galactic core of the Milky Way galaxy. Our understanding of cosmic rays has been greatly improved by the galactic comet Terzan 5. It encompasses numerous millisecond pulsars (MSP). They spur the cosmic rays to excessive rapidity. Thanks to these magnetic interferences, the rays get deflected before reaching Earth. However, the gamma rays created from the collision of cosmic rays with starlight photons hint at their existence. In contrast to cosmic rays, gamma rays are uninfluenced by magnetic fields and, hence, can travel on a linear path to Earth.
A Magnetic Tail
The cluster stars experience gamma ray displacement in specific regions. In 2011, the displacement baffled astronomers before an innovative theory came to light. At present, the galactic comet Terzan 5 is moving swiftly and broadly. This occasionally takes it outside the galactic plane. While speeding across the galaxy at several hundred kilometers per second, it produces a magnetic tail.
Terzan 5’s cosmic rays journey through this magnetic tail. As the tail is not directed towards Earth, the rays beam away from our vision. However, their trajectories change gradually due to magnetic disruptions, and some start to aim towards the Earth. This process spans nearly three decades. The gamma rays appear to be replaced by the cluster when they appear from a zone that is roughly thirty light-years away.
Now, the length of time needed for magnetic disturbances to alter the course of the cosmic rays can finally be estimated. It will help determine notions pertaining to interstellar magnetic fields and deeply understand cosmic radiation. The Terzan 5 has provided us with deeper insights into the complex interaction of cosmic rays with our galactic magnetic fields.
