In a collaborative effort, researchers from various institutions, including the University of Genoa, the University of Science and Technology of China, and the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics, have made significant strides in understanding cosmic rays. Their work, published in the journal “Science China Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy,” focuses on measuring the energy spectrum of cosmic ray nickel, providing valuable insights into the origins and propagation of heavy nuclei in space.
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that permeate the universe, and their study can offer clues about the processes that accelerate these particles and the interstellar medium through which they travel. Nickel, being one of the most abundant heavy elements in cosmic rays beyond iron, serves as an excellent candidate for such investigations. The researchers utilized the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) satellite, which has excellent charge resolution and a broad energy range, to conduct their study.
The team analyzed nine years of flight data from DAMPE to directly measure the cosmic-ray nickel spectrum, ranging from 10 GeV/n to 2 TeV/n. This measurement extends the known energy range of nickel spectra significantly. The findings indicate that the nickel spectrum follows a single power law with a spectral index of -2.60 ± 0.03 from 40 GeV/n to 1 TeV/n. This high-precision measurement provides a detailed look at the differential flux of nickel with kinetic energy extending to TeV/n for the first time.
For the energy sector, understanding cosmic rays and their interactions with the Earth’s atmosphere can have practical applications. Cosmic rays can induce electrical currents in power lines and affect the performance of solar panels. Accurate measurements of cosmic ray spectra, like those provided by this research, can help in developing better models to predict and mitigate these effects. Additionally, the study of cosmic rays contributes to our understanding of radiation exposure for astronauts and high-altitude flights, which is crucial for the safety and planning of future space missions and high-altitude energy projects.
In summary, this research offers a precise measurement of the cosmic-ray nickel spectrum, enhancing our knowledge of the acceleration sources of heavy nuclei and their propagation through the interstellar medium. The findings have implications for various fields, including the energy sector, where understanding cosmic ray interactions can lead to improved safety and performance of energy infrastructure.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.