Origin of Cosmic Rays

Description

The cosmic radiation was discovered by Hess in 1912 but its origin is still the subject of much controversy and considerable study. For several decades most workers in the cosmic ray field were interested in the Nuclear Physical aspect of the particle beam and many important dis­ coveries were made, notably the identification of the positron, the muon, the pion and the strange particles. More recently however, em­ phasis has changed to the Astrophysical aspect both with re8ard to the origin of the radiation and to its relation with the other radiation fields. Mindful of the increasing importance of the Astrophysical facets of the subject the Cosmic Ray Commission of IUPAP approached the High Energy Astrophysics Commission of the IAU with the suggestion of a joint Symposium on Cosmic Ray Origin. The plan was to bring together workers in all the various astronomical fields - from Radio, through Optical to Gamma Rays - with Cosmic Ray physicists and to fully explore the various interrelations. The approach was received with enthusiasm and this book contains the proceedings of the ensuing Symposium, (styled IUPAP/ IAU Symposium No. 94) which was held in Bologna from 11th - 14th June 1980. Virtually all the papers presented are reproduced here. The Scientific Organizing Committee chose the invited speakers whose papers formed the major scientific component of the meeting. Additional short contributed papers were also called for and very brief 2-page resumes (which have not been refereed) are given in the proceedings.