Origin of cosmic rays and evolution of spallogenic nuclides Li, Be and B

Understand

A short overview is presented of current issues concerning the production and evolution of Li, Be and B in the Milky Way.

• In particular, the observed "primary-like" evolution of Be is re-assessed in the light of a novel idea: it is argued that Galactic Cosmic Rays are accelerated from the wind material of rotating massive stars, hit by the forward shock of the subsequent supernova explosions.
• The pre-galactic levels of both Li isotopes remain controversial at present, making it difficult to predict their Galactic evolution.
• A quantitative estimate is provided of the contributions of various candidate sources to the solar abundance of Li.