For 70 years, scientists have puzzled over the “knee” – a distinct bend in the high-energy spectrum of cosmic rays that bombard Earth, hinting at a shift in their origins and acceleration mechanisms. New findings from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) in China are now challenging long-held theories attributing these ultra-high-energy particles to supernovae [[1]].Researchers have identified black holes, specifically those with powerful jets, as a likely source of the cosmic ray “knee,” a discovery published this week in *National Science Review* and *Science Bulletin* [[2]], [[3]].
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Chinese researchers have pinpointed a black hole as a likely source of the high-energy components found in what are known as “cosmic ray knees.” The significant findings, released on November 16 by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), represent a major step forward in unraveling a long-standing mystery in cosmic ray research.
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Scientists have spent decades attempting to understand why the energy spectrum of cosmic rays – subatomic particles that constantly bombard Earth from outer space – exhibits a sharp change in direction, often referred to as the “knee.” This new research suggests a supermassive black hole may be responsible for accelerating these particles to extremely high energies.
The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), located in Sichuan province, China, detected an excess of gamma rays originating from the direction of several black holes. These gamma rays are produced when high-energy particles interact with magnetic fields near the black hole. The data strongly suggests that these black holes are actively accelerating cosmic rays.
Understanding the origins of cosmic rays is crucial for advancements in astrophysics and particle physics. These high-energy particles provide valuable insights into the extreme environments of the universe and the fundamental laws governing matter and energy. The LHAASO findings offer a new avenue for exploring these complex phenomena and could lead to a more complete understanding of the cosmos.
The research team’s findings, published on November 16, provide compelling evidence linking black holes to the production of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. This discovery could reshape current models of cosmic ray acceleration and distribution.
