On the Search for the Galactic PeVatrons by Means of Gamma-Ray Astronomy

Abstract

Cosmic rays are ultra-relativistic particles that slam into the atmosphere from all directions in the sky. Gamma rays emitted when cosmic rays interact with Galactic gas and radiation fields are a powerful tool to investigate their origin. Many candidate CR sources have been discovered in GeV-to-PeV gamma rays. However, the major contributors to the CR population, especially at the highest energies, are still unknown. We give here a state of the art report on the search for the sources of Galactic cosmic rays by means of gamma-ray astronomical methods.

Keywords

• gamma-ray astronomy
• high energy astrophysics
• interstellar medium