Where do Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) originate outside of our heliosphere?
Answer
Shockwaves resulting from supernovae explosions in other star systems
Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) are fundamentally different from dust and solar ejecta because they are not generated within the solar system or by the Sun. They are particles that arrive from interstellar space, meaning their source lies outside the protective boundary of the heliosphere. The immense energy they carry is a signature of their origin in extremely violent, distant astrophysical phenomena. Specifically, GCRs are understood to be generated by the powerful shockwaves created when massive stars undergo supernova explosions in other star systems light-years away.
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