Constraints on the origin of cosmic rays above 10 < sup> 18 ev from large-scale anisotropy searches in data of the pierre auger observatory

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Abstract

A thorough search for large-scale anisotropies in the distribution of arrival directions of cosmic rays detected above 1018 eV at the Pierre Auger Observatory is reported. For the first time, these large-scale anisotropy searches are performed as a function of both the right ascension and the declination and expressed in terms of dipole and quadrupole moments. Within the systematic uncertainties, no significant deviation from isotropy is revealed. Upper limits on dipole and quadrupole amplitudes are derived under the hypothesis that any cosmic ray anisotropy is dominated by such moments in this energy range. These upper limits provide constraints on the production of cosmic rays above 1018 eV, since they allow us to challenge an origin from stationary galactic sources densely distributed in the galactic disk and emitting predominantly light particles in all directions. © 2013. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved..

Publication Title

Astrophysical Journal Letters

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