Recent observations in Galactic Cosmic Rays

by Andrii Tykhonov (University of Geneva)

Wednesday 20 Mar 2024, 11:15 → 12:45 Europe/Zurich

Observational data from space-borne experiments in the past decade challenge the canonical cosmic-ray theory. Recent results from AMS-02, DAMPE, and CALET missions have revealed unexpected, peculiar structures (in the form of breaks) in the hadronic and leptonic cosmic-ray spectra at multi-TeV energies. Some of those, like steepening in cosmic-ray positrons, can be arguably attributed to dark matter.  The situation is even more unclear at PeV scale, towards the so-called "knee" - the region, where the transition from galactic to extra-galactic cosmic ray origin is believed to emerge. Measurements performed by ground-based indirect experiments prevail at such energies, hampered by high systematic uncertainties. With the evolution of space-oriented particle instrumentation, we are experiencing an exciting era: cosmic-ray direct-detection experiments enter the traditional realm of ground-based observatories, approaching the "knee".

In this talk, first, we will briefly review the current state-of-the-art in galactic cosmic rays. Then we will dive into the recent experimental results of space-borne cosmic ray missions, complemented with the observations of ground-based facilities at higher energies. Finally, we will conclude with an outlook for future direct cosmic-ray measurements.

Tykhonov_dpnc_seminar_2024_galactic_cosmic_rays.pdf