The main source of moderate-energy cosmic rays, the high-energy atomic nuclei that strike Earth's atmosphere from interstellar space, is believed to be

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Supernova explosions are the primary source of moderate-energy cosmic rays. When a star explodes in a supernova, the debris ejected into space collides with interstellar material. This collision accelerates atomic nuclei to high energies, creating cosmic rays that eventually reach Earth. Supernovae provide the right conditions for accelerating particles to the energies observed in cosmic rays, making them a key source of these high-energy particles.

The Main Source of Moderate-Energy Cosmic Rays, the High-Energy Atomic