On the Motion of Cosmic Rays in Interstellar Space

Abstract

The limitation of a current consisting of charged high energy particles (cosmic rays) passing through interstellar space is discussed. As interstellar matter is ionized, interstellar space is considered as a good conductor so that the electric field always equals zero. The motion of the particles is then governed by the magnetic fields produced by themselves. This sets a rather low upper limit to the currents through space so that a difference in intensity of cosmic rays in different points is smoothed out very slowly. This means that the intensity may vary considerably even within the galactic system. An explanation of the excess of positive particles in cosmic radiation is tentatively suggested. Arguments are given for the view that most of the rays we receive on the earth are generated within less than 1000 light years from us.