PeVatrons

In News: A study using 12 years of data from NASA’s Fermi telescope helped scientists understand PeVatrons.

• PeVatrons, the source of some of the highest energy particles that whip across our galaxy.
• Streams of particles called cosmic rays travel at breakneck speeds around our galaxy and they also strike our planet’s atmosphere.
• They typically consist of protons but sometimes also include atomic nuclei and electrons.
• They all carry an electric charge, this means that their paths deviate and scramble as they go through our galaxy’s magnetic field.
• This means that it is no longer which direction they originally came from, effectively masking their birthplace.
• But when the particles that are part of cosmic rays collide with the gas near supernova remnants, they produce gamma rays; some of the highest-energy forms of radiation that exist.
• These particles get trapped by the chaotic magnetic fields near supernova remnants.
• They pass through the supernova’s shock wave multiple times and each time they do, they gain speed and energy.
• Eventually, they can no longer be held by the supernova remnant and will caree off into deep space.
• These particles are boosted to 10 times the energy that the Large Hadron Collider, the most powerful man-made particle accelerator, can generate.

Source: Indian Express

Previous Year Question

Q.1) If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (2022)

1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below;

1. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
2. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
3. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and