Ionization models of cosmic ray sources
Abstract
In recent years, as supernova or pulsar theories of the origin of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) had problems in giving a simple and self-consistent picture of the cosmic ray sources, alternative models were proposed. These models start from the observation that the abundance biases of the GCR source with respect to ordinary galactic matter seem correlated with the atomic properties of the elements. This view is supported by the observation that the same features probably show up in solar cosmic rays. We briefly recall our coronal-type ionization model and discuss the relevant physical conditions. These conditions are likely to be encountered in common astrophysical sites. We tentatively consider the extent to which powerful eruptive stars (flare stars) could contribute to the supply of the GCR.