Illustration

Supernova shock wave

Artist's rendition of a supernova shock wave

When stars explode, the supernovas send off shock waves like the one shown in this artist's rendition, which accelerate protons to cosmic-ray energies through a process known as Fermi acceleration. 

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Editors of the journal Science, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, have selected their annual Top 10 Science Breakthroughs of the Year. On the list: Work by SLAC researchers pinning down the origin of cosmic rays.

Image - Artist's illustration of a supernova, with a shockwave spreading out from it.

A new study confirms what scientists have long suspected: Cosmic rays – energetic particles that pelt Earth from all directions – are born in the violent aftermath of supernovas, exploding stars throughout the galaxy.

Artist's rendition of a supernova shock wave