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First Predicted Cosmic Ray Spectra, Primary-to-Secondary Ratios, and Ionization Rates from MHD Galaxy Formation Simulations

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arxiv 2109.09762 v2 pith:ZCMLOWQ3 submitted 2021-09-20 astro-ph.HE astro-ph.GAastro-ph.SRphysics.plasm-phphysics.space-ph

classification astro-ph.HEastro-ph.GAastro-ph.SRphysics.plasm-phphysics.space-ph
keywords spectraionizationscatteringsimulationscoefficientscosmicfirstformation
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abstract

We present the first simulations evolving resolved spectra of cosmic rays (CRs) from MeV-TeV energies (including electrons, positrons, (anti)protons, and heavier nuclei), in live kinetic-MHD galaxy simulations with star formation and feedback. We utilize new numerical methods including terms often neglected in historical models, comparing Milky Way analogues with phenomenological scattering coefficients $\nu$ to Solar-neighborhood (LISM) observations (spectra, B/C, $e^{+}/e^{-}$, $\bar{p}/p$, $^{10}$Be/$^{9}$Be, ionization, $\gamma$-rays). We show it is possible to reproduce observations with simple single-power-law injection and scattering coefficients (scaling with rigidity $R$), similar to previous (non-dynamical) calculations. We also find: (1) The circum-galactic medium in realistic galaxies necessarily imposes a $\sim10\,$kpc CR scattering halo, influencing the required $\nu(R)$. (2) Increasing the normalization of $\nu(R)$ re-normalizes CR secondary spectra but also changes primary spectral slopes, owing to source distribution and loss effects. (3) Diffusive/turbulent reacceleration is unimportant and generally sub-dominant to gyroresonant/streaming losses, which are sub-dominant to adiabatic/convective terms dominated by $\sim0.1-1\,$kpc turbulent/fountain motions. (4) CR spectra vary considerably across galaxies; certain features can arise from local structure rather than transport physics. (5) Systematic variation in CR ionization rates between LISM and molecular clouds (or Galactic position) arises naturally without invoking alternative sources. (6) Abundances of CNO nuclei require most CR acceleration occurs around when reverse shocks form in SNe, not in OB wind bubbles or later Sedov-Taylor stages of SNe remnants.

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Forward citations

Cited by 2 Pith papers

Reviewed papers in the Pith corpus that reference this work. Sorted by Pith novelty score. Full citation record

  1. Time-Dependent Cosmic Ray Halos from Bursty Star Formation and Active Galactic Nuclei: Semi-Analytic Formalism and Galaxy Formation Implications

    astro-ph.GA 2025-09 conditional novelty 6.0 of 10

    Time-dependent injection from bursty star formation or episodic black hole accretion substantially modifies cosmic ray pressure profiles in massive galaxy halos, flattening them at large radii relative to steady-state...

  2. CRESCENDO II: Spectral cosmic rays with improved energy losses and realistic supernova seeding

    astro-ph.HE 2026-07 conditional novelty 5.0 of 10

    CRESCENDO's spectral cosmic-ray solver now includes improved energy-loss processes, non-ultra-relativistic energy/pressure integrals, and supernova-remnant template injection.

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