Oscillating neutrinos from the galactic center

Roland M. Crocker, Fulvio Melia, Raymond R. Volkas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

It has recently been demonstrated that the γ-ray emission spectrum of the EGRET-identified central Galactic source 2EG J1746-2852 can be well fitted by positing that these photons are generated by the decay of π0's produced in p-p scattering at or near an energizing shock. Such scattering also produces charged pions which decay leptonically. The ratio of γ-rays to neutrinos generated by the central Galactic source can be accurately determined, and a well-defined and potentially measurable high-energy neutrino flux at Earth is unavoidable. An opportunity, therefore, to detect neutrino oscillations over an unprecedented scale is offered by this source. In this paper we assess the prospects for such an observation with the generation of neutrino Čerenkov telescopes now in the planning stage. We determine that the next generation of detectors may well find an oscillation signature in the Galactic center (GC) signal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)339-350
Number of pages12
JournalAstrophysical Journal, Supplement Series
Volume130
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2000

Keywords

  • Acceleration of particles
  • Cosmic rays
  • Elementary particles
  • Galaxies: Nuclei
  • Galaxy : Center
  • Radiation mechanisms : Nonthermal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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