No Arabic abstract
The aim of the Yakutsk array enhancement project is to create an instrument to study the highest-energy galactic cosmic rays (CRs) -- their sources, energy spectrum, and mass composition. Additionally, there will be unique capabilities for investigations in the transition region between galactic and extragalactic components of CRs. Using the well-developed imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope technique adapted to the energy region $E>10^{15}$ eV, we plan to measure the longitudinal structure parameters of the shower, e.g., angular and temporal distributions of the Cherenkov signal related to $X_{max}$ and the mass composition of CRs. The main advantages of the Yakutsk array, such as its multi-component measurements of extensive air showers, and model-independent CR energy estimation based on Cherenkov light measurements, will be inherited by the instrument to be created.
We discuss the lateral distribution of charged particles in extensive air showers with energy above $10^{17}$ eV measured by surface scintillation detectors of Yakutsk EAS array. The analysis covers the data obtained during the period from 1977 to 2013. Experimental values are compared to theoretical predictions obtained with the use of CORSIKA code within frameworks of different hadron interaction models. The best agreement between theory and experiment is observed for QGSJet01 and QGSJet-II-04 models. A change in the cosmic ray mass composition towards proton is observed in the energy range $(1-20) times 10^{17}$ eV.
Fermi bubbles are giant gamma-ray structures extended north and south of the Galactic center with characteristic sizes of order of 10 kpc recently discovered by Fermi Large Area Telescope. Good correlation between radio and gamma-ray emission in the region covered by Fermi bubbles implies the presence of high-energy electrons in this region. Since it is relatively difficult for relativistic electrons of this energy to travel all the way from the Galactic sources toward Fermi bubbles one can assume that they accelerated in-situ. The corresponding acceleration mechanism should also affect the distribution of the relativistic protons in the Galaxy. Since protons have much larger lifetimes the effect may even be observed near the Earth. In our model we suggest that Fermi bubbles are created by acceleration of electrons on series of shocks born due to periodic star accretions by supermassive black hole Sgr A*. We propose that hadronic CR within the knee of the observed CR spectrum are produced by Galactic supernova remnants distributed in the Galactic disk. Reacceleration of these particles in the Fermi Bubble produces CRs beyond the knee. This model provides a natural explanation of the observed CR flux, spectral indexes, and matching of spectra at the knee.
A spectrum of cosmic rays within energy range 10^15 - 3x10^17 eV was derived from the data of the small Cherenkov setup, which is a part of the Yakutsk complex EAS array. In this, work a new series of observation is covered. These observations lasted from 2000 till 2010 and resulted in increased number of registered events within interval 10^16 - 10^18 eV, which in turn made it possible to reproduce cosmic ray spectrum in this energy domain with better precision. A sign of a thin structure is observed in the shape of the spectrum. It could be related to the escape of heavy nuclei from our Galaxy. Cosmic ray mass composition was obtained for the energy region 10^16 - 10^18 eV. A joint analysis of spectrum and mass composition of cosmic rays was performed. Obtained results are considered in the context of theoretical computations that were performed with the use of hypothesis of galactic and meta-galactic origin of cosmic rays.
We present results of an improved analysis of the experimental data of the EAS Cherenkov array Tunka-25. A new function to fit the Cherenkov light lateral distribution LDF at core distances from 0 to 350 m has been developed on the base of CORSIKA simulations and applied to the analysis of Tunka data. Two methods to estimate the EAS maximum position have been used. The one is based on the pulse FWHM, the other on the light LDF. We present the primary energy spectrum in the energy range 10^15 - 10^17 eV. The use of the depth of the EAS maximum to determine the mean mass composition is discussed.
We give an overview of the SPHERE experiment based on detection of reflected Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation (Cherenkov light) from extensive air showers in the energy region E>10^{15} eV. A brief history of the reflected Cherenkov light technique is given; the observations carried out with the SPHERE-2 detector are summarized; the methods of the experimental datasample analysis are described. The first results on the primary cosmic ray all-nuclei energy spectrum and mass composition are presented. Finally, the prospects of the SPHERE experiment and the reflected Cherenkov light technique are given.