Beyond the myth of the supernova-remnant origin of cosmic rays

Understand

The origin of Galactic cosmic-ray ions has remained an enigma for almost a century.

• Although it has generally been thought that they are accelerated in the shock waves associated with powerful supernova explosions-for which there have been recent claims of evidence-the mystery is far from resolved.
• In fact, we may be on the wrong track altogether in looking for isolated regions of cosmic-ray acceleration.