1. Amplifying UHECR arrival direction information using mass estimators at the Pierre Auger ObservatoryLorenzo Apollonio, A. Abdul Halim, P. Abreu, Andrej Filipčič, Jon Paul Lundquist, Shima Ujjani Shivashankara, Samo Stanič, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: The origin of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) is one of the biggest mysteries in modern astrophysics. Since UHECRs are deflected by Galactic and extragalactic magnetic fields, their arrival directions do not point to their sources. Previous analyses conducted on the arrival directions of high-energy events (E ≥ 32 EeV) recorded by the Surface Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory have not shown significant anisotropies. The largest excess found in the first 19 years of data - at the 4.0 sigma level - is in the region around Centaurus A, and it is also the driving force of a correlation of UHECR arrival directions with a catalog of Starburst Galaxies, which is at the 3.8 sigma level. Since UHECRs are mostly nuclei, the lightest ones (least charged) are also the least deflected. While the mass of the events can be estimated better using the Fluorescence Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory, the Surface Detector provides the necessary statistics needed for astrophysical studies. The introduction of novel mass-estimation techniques, such as machine learning models and an algorithm based on air-shower universality, will help identify high-rigidity events in the Surface Detector data of the Pierre Auger Observatory. With this work, we present how event-per-event mass estimators can help enhance the sensitivity in the search for anisotropies in the arrival directions of UHECRs at small and intermediate angular scales using simulations.
Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs), extensive air showers, Pierre Auger Observatory, UHECR propagation, UHECR arrival directions, UHECR mass composition, Centaurus A radio galaxy, starburst galaxies, air-shower universality
Objavljeno v RUNG: 30.04.2025; Ogledov: 347; Prenosov: 6
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2. Mass composition of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays from distribution of their arrival directions with the Telescope ArrayR. U. Abbasi, Y. Abe, T. Abu-Zayyad, M. Allen, Y. Arai, R. Arimura, E. Barcikowski, J. W. Belz, Douglas R. Bergman, Jon Paul Lundquist, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: We use a new method to estimate the injected mass composition of ultrahigh cosmic rays (UHECRs) at energies higher than 10 EeV. The method is based on comparison of the energy-dependent distribution of cosmic ray arrival directions as measured by the Telescope Array (TA) experiment with that calculated in a given putative model of UHECR under the assumption that sources trace the large-scale structure (LSS) of the Universe. As we report in the companion Letter, the TA data show large deflections with respect to the LSS which can be explained, assuming small extragalactic magnetic fields (EGMF), by an intermediate composition changing to a heavy one (iron) in the highest energy bin. Here we show that these results are robust to uncertainties in UHECR injection spectra, the energy scale of the experiment and galactic magnetic fields. The assumption of weak EGMF, however, strongly affects this interpretation at all but the highest energies E > 100 EeV, where the remarkable isotropy of the data implies a heavy injected composition even in the case of strong EGMF. This result also holds if UHECR sources are as rare as 2 × 10[sup]−5 Mpc[sup]−3, that is the conservative lower limit for the source number density.
Ključne besede: ultrahigh energy cosmic rays, large-scale structure, extragalactic magnetic fields, UHECR propagation, Telescope Array, UHECR mass composition, UHECR arrival directions
Objavljeno v RUNG: 23.04.2025; Ogledov: 261; Prenosov: 2
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3. Isotropy of Cosmic Rays beyond 10[sup]20 eV Favors Their Heavy Mass CompositionR. U. Abbasi, Jon Paul Lundquist, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: We report an estimation of the injected mass composition of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) at energies higher than 10 EeV. The composition is inferred from an energy-dependent sky distribution of UHECR events observed by the Telescope Array surface detector by comparing it to the Large Scale Structure of the local Universe. In the case of negligible extragalactic magnetic fields (EGMFs), the results are consistent with a relatively heavy injected composition at E ∼ 10 EeV that becomes lighter up to E ∼ 100 EeV, while the composition at E > 100 EeV is very heavy. The latter is true even in the presence of highest experimentally allowed extragalactic magnetic fields, while the composition at lower energies can be light if a strong EGMF is present. The effect of the uncertainty in the galactic magnetic field on these results is subdominant.
Ključne besede: ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECRs), Large Scale Structure, extragalactic magnetic fields, UHECR propagation, Telescope Array surface detector, UHECR mass composition, UHECR arrival directions
Objavljeno v RUNG: 23.04.2025; Ogledov: 261; Prenosov: 2
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4. Mass composition of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays at the Pierre Auger ObservatoryThomas Fitoussi, Andrej Filipčič, Jon Paul Lundquist, Shima Ujjani Shivashankara, Samo Stanič, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: For the past 20 years, the Pierre Auger Observatory has collected the largest dataset of
ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) ever achieved using a hybrid detector. The study
of this dataset has led to numerous unexpected discoveries that enhance our understanding
of the origins of UHECRs. One of the key points in this study is their mass composition.
In this work, we will present the most recent results regarding the mass composition of UHECRs at the Pierre Auger Observatory. In particular, we will focus on the measurement of the depth
of the maximum of air-shower profiles, denoted as Xmax . This determination has been achieved through both direct measurements from the Fluorescence Detector data and the application of machine learning for estimating Xmax on an event-by-event basis using the Surface Detector data. The latter has allowed us to extend the measurement to energies up
to 100 EeV and indicates a correlation between changes in composition and three features
of the energy spectrum (ankle, instep, steepening). Moreover, the results provide evidence
of a heavy and nearly pure primary beam for energies greater than 50 EeV that is independent
of the hadronic interaction model. The implications of these findings for astrophysics and
for modelling hadronic interactions will be discussed.
Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, Pierre Auger Observatory, extensive air showers, UHECR mass composition
Objavljeno v RUNG: 28.03.2025; Ogledov: 423; Prenosov: 9
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5. A new view of UHECRs with the Pierre Auger ObservatoryDenise Boncioli, Andrej Filipčič, Jon Paul Lundquist, Shima Ujjani Shivashankara, Samo Stanič, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: In its Phase I, the Pierre Auger Observatory has led to several observations, driving the field of ultra- high-energy cosmic ray (UHECR) research over the last 20 years. Major achievements obtained so far include the unprecedented precise energy spectrum and its features, the observables linked to the UHECR mass composition and the distribution of arrival directions of the most energetic events. These results, together with the non-observation of high-energy neutrinos and photons, strongly disfavor the pre-Auger pure-proton paradigm.
In this talk, we will provide an overview on the main results of the Observatory, and describe possible astrophysical scenarios for their interpretation. The prospects of improving the current understanding about UHECR characteristics during the Phase II of the Observatory will be also shown.
Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, Pierre Auger Observatory, UHE neutrinos, UHE photons, Auger Phase I, AugerPrime upgrade, Auger Phase II, UHECR mass composition, UHECR energy spectrum, UHECR anisotropy studies, UHECR astrophysical scenarios, UHECR data interpretation
Objavljeno v RUNG: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 460; Prenosov: 4
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6. Astrophysical models to interpret the Pierre Auger Observatory dataJuan Manuel González, Andrej Filipčič, Jon Paul Lundquist, Shima Ujjani Shivashankara, Samo Stanič, Serguei Vorobiov, Danilo Zavrtanik, Marko Zavrtanik, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: The Pierre Auger Observatory has measured the spectrum of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays with unprecedented precision, as well as the distribution of the depths of the maximum of the shower development in the atmosphere, which provide a reliable estimator of the mass composition. The measurements above 10[sup]17.8 eV can be interpreted assuming two populations of uniformly distributed sources, one with a soft spectrum dominating the flux below few EeV, and another one with a very hard spectrum dominating above that energy. When considering the presence of intense extragalactic magnetic fields between our Galaxy and the closest sources and a high-energy population with low spatial density, a magnetic horizon appears, suppressing the cosmic ray's flux at low-energies, which could explain the very hard spectrum observed at Earth. The distribution of arrival directions, which at energies above 32 EeV shows indications of a correlation with a population of starburst galaxies or the radio galaxy Centaurus A (Cen A), are also important to constrain the sources. It is shown that adding a fractional contribution from these sources of about 20% on top of an homogeneous background leads to an improvement of the model likelihood.
Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, UHECR energy spectrum, UHECR mass composition, UHECR anisotropies, UHECR propagation, UHECR data interpretation, extragalactic magnetic fields, starburst galaxies, Centaurus A, Pierre Auger Observatory
Objavljeno v RUNG: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 393; Prenosov: 7
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7. Multi-messenger insights into ultra-high-energy cosmic rays from FR0 radio galaxies : emission spectrum, composition, and secondary photons and neutrinosJon Paul Lundquist, Serguei Vorobiov, Lukas Merten, Anita Reimer, Margot Boughelilba, Paolo Da Vela, Fabrizio Tavecchio, Giacomo Bonnoli, Chiara Righi, 2025, objavljeni znanstveni prispevek na konferenci Opis: Despite their low individual luminosity, Fanaroff-Riley Type 0 (FR0) radio galaxies have emerged as potentially significant contributors to the observed flux of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs, E≥10 EeV) due to their substantial prevalence in the local universe. Outnumbering more powerful FR radio galaxies by approximately fivefold within redshifts of z≤0.05, FR0s may contribute a considerable fraction of the total UHECR energy density. The presented comprehensive study employs CRPropa3 simulations to estimate the mass composition and energy spectra of UHECRs emitted by FR0 galaxies. These simulations, which integrate extrapolated FR0 properties and various configurations of intergalactic magnetic fields (both random and structured), are compared to recent data from the Pierre Auger Observatory using three extensive air-shower models. By fitting the simulated spectral indices, rigidity cutoffs, and elemental fractions to Auger’s observed energy spectrum and ⟨lnA⟩ composition, we probe the contribution of FR0 sources to the UHECR flux. Furthermore, we predict the secondary photon and neutrino fluxes resulting from UHECR interactions with cosmic photon backgrounds and compare these results with current upper limits and theoretical models. This multi-messenger approach provides valuable insights into the role of low-luminosity FR0 radio galaxies within the UHECR landscape.
Ključne besede: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, energy spectrum, mass composition, Fanaroff-Riley type 0
Objavljeno v RUNG: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 381; Prenosov: 8
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8. Characterization of PM10 sources in a pre-alpine valley with traffic, biomass burning and industrial sourcesKristina Glojek, Thuy Vy Dinh Ngoc, Manousos Ioannis Manousakas, Jean-Luc Jaffrezo, Andre S. H. Prevot, Griša Močnik, 2024, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Opis: The contribution of traffic and wood burning to particulate matter (PM) across the Alps is widely recognized and studied (Herich et al., 2014 and references therein; Glojek et al., 2021). However, studies on valleys with cement production are scarce despite its large PM emissions and potential toxic properties (Kim et al., 2003; Rovira et al., 2018; Ervik et al., 2022; Weinbruch et al., 2023). In this study, we aim to identify and chemically characterize PM10 sources in a pre-alpine valley influenced by cement industry. A comprehensive SA study on the local and regional PM sources and their size-segregated elemental fraction will be presented.
PM10 was sampled daily on quartz filters from November 2020 to November 2021 and analyzed for a large array of chemical species. Equivalent black carbon (eBC) measurements were taken with the Aethalometer AE33. Hourly elemental PM10 and PM2.5 composition was measured in parallel with two Xact 625i from February until May 2021. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) was used to determine the sources of PM10 (off-line PMF) with 24-hour time resolution, and of the elemental fraction of PM (on-line PMF) with 1-hour time resolution for the overlapping time period.
A combination of the different PMF models with various instrument data resulted in improved SA in terms of number of identifies sources and their uncertainties. The off-line PMF resolved ten PM10 sources (Fig. 1, left), while the on-line elemental PM10 and the combined elemental PM2.5+coarse PMF recognized 6 and 7 factors, respectively (Fig. 1, right).
Due to large number of samples, we were able to separate between the sources with strong seasonality and sources featuring stability throughout the year. The study disclosed two rarely encountered factors, i.e., chloride-rich (chlorine-rich in case of on-line PMF) and cement dust. We associate these two factors to different processes in the cement plant. The high-resolution on-line PMF enabled us to distinguish between regional and local sources. Furthermore, the size-segregated on-line PMF provided more speciated sources (traffic separation into heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles).
The outputs of the study provide vital information about the influence of cement production on PM10 concentrations and OP in complex environments and are useful for PM control strategies and actions. Further work involves more detailed comparison of offline and online PMF factors and additional sampling and analysis of the samples around the cement industry.
Ključne besede: positive matrix factorization, PM10 composition, metals, Xact, HVS digitel
Objavljeno v RUNG: 24.01.2025; Ogledov: 753; Prenosov: 2
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9. Comparison of on- and off-line source apportionment with wood-burning, traffic and industrial sourcesKristina Glojek, Thuy Vy Dinh Ngoc, M. Manousakas, Sylvain Weber, Gaëlle Uzu, Rhabira Elazzouzi, Katja Džepina, Markus Furger, Sophie Darfeuil, Griša Močnik, 2024, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Opis: Recent studies show that combining data with different time resolutions results in more detailed and likely more accurate source apportionment (SA) (Hopke et al., 2020; Manousakas et al., 2022; Via et al., 2023). Despite the advantages, SA studies, combining 24-hour filters and highly time-resolved analyses, are limited. This research aims to compare on- and off-line SA results in a pre-Alpine valley with a variety of sources. A comprehensive SA study of the local and regional PM sources and their size-segregated elemental fraction will be presented.
PM10 was sampled daily on quartz filters from November 2020 to November 2021 and analyzed for a large array of chemical species. Equivalent black carbon (eBC) measurements were taken with the Aethalometer AE33. Hourly elemental PM10 and PM2.5 composition was measured in parallel with two Xact 625i from February until May 2021. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) was used to determine the sources of PM10 (off-line PMF) with 24-hour time resolution, and of the elemental fraction of PM (on-line PMF) with 1-hour time resolution for the overlapping time period. For off-line PMF, chemical species together with the source-specific eBC (Sandradewi et al., 2008) were used. For on-line PMF, two analyses were performed on the elemental composition: using PM10, and using a combination of PM2.5 and PMcoarse (PM10-PM2.5). The final off-line PM10 PMF results were compared to on-line elemental PM PMF and assessed accordingly.
A combination of the different PMF models with various instrument data resulted in improved SA in terms of the number of identified sources and their uncertainties. The off-line PMF resolved ten PM10 sources (Fig. 1, left), while the on-line elemental PM10 and the combined elemental PM2.5+coarse PMF recognized 6 and 7 factors, respectively (Fig. 1, right).
Due to large number of samples, we were able to separate between the sources with strong seasonality and sources featuring stability throughout the year. The study disclosed two rarely encountered factors, i.e., chloride-rich (chlorine-rich in case of on-line PMF) and cement dust. Introduction of source-specific eBC in the off-line PMF model resulted in more stable factor solutions.The high-resolution on-line PMF enabled us to distinguish between regional and local sources (see mineral dust factors). Furthermore, the size-segregated on-line PMF provided more speciated sources (traffic separation into heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles). A very good regression (R2 > 0.7, slopes = 0.05–0.35, p < 0.001) between the compared off-line PM10 and on-line elemental PM10 (daily averages) factors’ concentrations confirmed the adequacy of the SAs. Further work involves a direct comparison of fractions of the elements in the sources’ chemical profiles.
The study clearly shows the advantages and limitations of the different PMF models. A combined use of various SA approaches appears to be a promising way towards a comprehensive analysis of the PM sources in complex environments.
Ključne besede: positive matrix factorization, PM10 composition, metals, Xact, HVS digitel
Objavljeno v RUNG: 24.01.2025; Ogledov: 736; Prenosov: 7
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10. Comparison of offline and online measurements of particulate matter in Sarajevo during SAAERO field campaignPetra Makorič, Kristina Glojek, E. Krečinić, E. Omerčić, I. Ahmović, D. Smajić, A. Bijedić, Ranka Godec, Griša Močnik, Katja Džepina, 2024, objavljeni povzetek znanstvenega prispevka na konferenci Ključne besede: positive matrix factorization, PM10 composition, metals, Xact, HVS digitel
Objavljeno v RUNG: 24.01.2025; Ogledov: 653; Prenosov: 2
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