Cosmic-Ray Propagation and Interactions in the Galaxy

TLDR

Cosmic‑ray propagation is governed by processes whose basic ideas and physical origins are described. The study surveys theory and experimental tests of cosmic‑ray propagation in the Galaxy up to 10^15 eV. The authors review prior literature, explain basic principles, and describe analytical and numerical techniques for computing observational consequences, focusing on topics such as electrons and antiparticles. Comparisons of models with direct, indirect, and gamma‑ray observations reveal insights into cosmic‑ray propagation.

Abstract

We survey the theory and experimental tests for the propagation of cosmic rays in the Galaxy up to energies of 10^15 eV. A guide to the previous reviews and essential literature is given, followed by an exposition of basic principles. The basic ideas of cosmic-ray propagation are described, and the physical origin of its processes are explained. The various techniques for computing the observational consequences of the theory are described and contrasted. These include analytical and numerical techniques. We present the comparison of models with data including direct and indirect - especially gamma-ray - observations, and indicate what we can learn about cosmic-ray propagation. Some particular important topics including electrons and antiparticles are chosen for discussion.