The radial distribution of galactic gamma rays. III - The distribution of cosmic rays in the Galaxy and the CO-H2 calibration
Publication date: 15 January 1986
Authors: Bloemen, J.B.G.M., et al.
Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Volume: 154
Issue: 1-2
Page: 25-41
Year: 1986
Copyright: European Southern Observatory
The cosmic ray (CR) distribution in the Galaxy inside the solar circle is determined by using the kinematics of both H I and CO to ascertain the spatial distribution of the interstellar gas. The conversion factor between integrated CO line intensity and the molecular hydrogen column density is found, and possible large-scale variations of this relationship throughout the Galaxy are investigated. The galactocentric CR distributions are shown to be described satisfactorily by exponential distributions for radii larger than about three, with a radial scale length of 4-11 kpc for electrons and a scale length greater than 18 kpc for nuclei.
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