Currents in High-Energy Astrophysics

About this book

This volume comprises selected lectures presented in the Ninth Course of the International School of Cosmic-Ray Astrophysics held at the Ettore Majorana Centre in Erice, Sicily, May 7--18, 1994. Devoted to problems and prospects in high-energy astrophysics and cosmology, the major areas explored are: gamma-ray, X-ray, and neutrino astronomies; cosmic rays; pulsars and supernova remnants; and cosmology, as well as cosmogony. Among the principal developments in gamma-ray astrophysics are those generated by the COMPTON Gamma Ray Observatory. Cosmic neutrinos at MeV energies, i.e., those from the Sun and from Supernova 1987a, are discussed, as well as neutrino masses in astrophysics. The source composition of cosmic rays, and extensive air shower experiments, receive special attention. The early universe according to COBE data, and as viewed by theorists of cosmology, is reviewed. Finally, the connections with particle physics occasioned a timely description of the Standard Model of elementary particles. The cosmic-ray community, the International School of Cosmic-Ray Astrophysics, and indeed the world of science have recently suffered grievous losses in the demise of Pierre Auger, Giuseppe Occhialini, and Bruno Rossi. Accordingly, a memorial session was included in the program. In the same session a farewell tribute was paid by M.M. Shapiro and A.E. Smith to the late Kyoung Hye Moon, an enthusiastic student of our School, who missed this Course when a rampant illness cut short her promising career.