A.M. Gal’per,
B.I. Luchkova,
O.F. Prilutskii aMoscow State Engineering Physics Institute (State University), Kashirskoe shosse 31, Moscow, 115409, Russian Federation
The observations and theoretical interpretations of galactic $\gamma$ rays in the energy region 10$^7$--10$^{10}$ eV are reviewed. Galactic $\gamma$ rays consist of a diffuse component and radiation from discrete sources. The diffuse component, which is formed as the result of interaction of cosmic rays with interstellar gas, reflects the large-scale structure of the Galaxy. Recent observations have revealed the existence of a belt of molecular hydrogen at a distance 4--8 kpc from the Galactic Center and indicate a nonuniformity of the distribution of cosmic rays over the disk and in the halo of the Galaxy. Information on the small-scale structure of the Galaxy in the $\gamma$ region is obtained from the discrete $\gamma$-ray sources, of which more than twenty have now been observed. The best known of these are the pulsars in the Crab Nebula, Vela-X, Cygnus X-3, and the region of the Galactic Center. Possible mechanisms for the $\gamma$ radiation of discrete sources are discussed.
PACS: 98.50.Eb, 98.70.Qy, 98.40.-p DOI:10.1070/PU1979v022n06ABEH005574 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1979/6/d/ Citation: Gal’per A M, Luchkov B I, Prilutskii O F "Gamma rays and the structure of the Galaxy" Sov. Phys. Usp.22 456–473 (1979)
RT Journal
T1 Gamma rays and the structure of the Galaxy
A1 Gal’per,A.M.
A1 Luchkov,B.I.
A1 Prilutskii,O.F.
PB Physics-Uspekhi
PY 1979
FD 10 Jun, 1979
JF Physics-Uspekhi
JO Phys. Usp.
VO 22
IS 6
SP 456-473
DO 10.1070/PU1979v022n06ABEH005574
LK https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1979/6/d/