Logo image
An alternative to in situ acceleration processes in extragalactic radio sources
Journal article   Peer reviewed

An alternative to in situ acceleration processes in extragalactic radio sources

S. R Spangler
The Astrophysical journal, Vol.232, p.L7
08/1979
DOI: 10.1086/183025

View Online

Abstract

The Boltzmann equation for cosmic-ray transport derived by Earl and modified to include terms describing synchrotron radiation losses (Bieber) has been applied to the problem of relativistic electron transport in extended extragalactic radio sources. We consider the evolution of a field-directed, anisotropic pitch angle distribution, and seek a solution which would eliminate radio spectral index gradients. A solution to the equation has been found which is triply separable in position, pitch angle, and energy. This solution predicts a radio spectral index gradient which is identically zero. For conditions appropriate to extragalactic radio sources, the constants in the differential equations yield solutions which are both self-consistent and in approximate agreement with observations.

Details

Metrics

Logo image