How do supernova remnants produce cosmic rays?
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A cosmic ray is simply a very, very fast moving atom. Thats all.
So when the most energetic singular event, a supernova, occurs there are lots of very fast moving atoms that zip out into space.
A supernova is an explosion of a star. A remnant is what’s left over after the explosion. So a supernova remnant is what’s left over after a star explodes.
Supernova remnants are thought to produce cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are particles that travel through space at high speeds. They are believed to be high-energy protons and electrons.
Some theories suggest that cosmic rays are produced when the shock wave from a supernova collides with nearby interstellar gas. This collision can accelerate particles to high energies. Other theories suggest that cosmic rays are produced by the magnetic fields around a supernova remnant. These fields can trap particles and accelerate them to high energies.
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