Modelling the interstellar radiation field of the Milky Way at parsec scale resolution at its effect on cosmic ray electrons

The interstellar radiation field (ISRF) is the result of emission by stars, and the scattering, absorption, and re-emission of absorbed starlight by dust in the interstellar medium (ISM). Current state-of-the-art 3D models for the ISRF have been developed using spatially smooth distributions for stars and dust in the Milky Way. Recently, spatial reconstructions of the dust distribution have been made using stellar extinction data that now probe down to parsec scales nearby the Solar system. Moreover, the distribution of hot, luminous OB stars has been obtained with high degree of completeness out to $\sim$2--3~kpc from the Solar system. We describe our new models that incorporate these features into the 3D models that we formerly developed using only the smooth spatial distributions. The new ISRF models have a significant degree of inhomogeneity in the distribution of the spectral intensities, particularly at ultraviolet and infrared frequencies. Comparison with multi-wavelength data shows good agreement with the new model predictions.

Authors

Publication Details

Published
2025-09-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.22323/1.501.0812
Primary Topic
Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Modelling the interstellar radiation field of the Milky Way at parsec scale resolution at its effect on cosmic ray electrons

G. Jóhannesson, Louis E. Strigari, T. A. Porter, I. V. Moskalenko
Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
article

Modelling the interstellar radiation field of the Milky Way at parsec scale resolution at its effect on cosmic ray electrons

G. Jóhannesson, Louis E. Strigari, T. A. Porter, I. V. Moskalenko
article en

Abstract

The interstellar radiation field (ISRF) is the result of emission by stars, and the scattering, absorption, and re-emission of absorbed starlight by dust in the interstellar medium (ISM). Current state-of-the-art 3D models for the ISRF have been developed using spatially smooth distributions for stars and dust in the Milky Way. Recently, spatial reconstructions of the dust distribution have been made using stellar extinction data that now probe down to parsec scales nearby the Solar system. Moreover, the distribution of hot, luminous OB stars has been obtained with high degree of completeness out to $\sim$2--3~kpc from the Solar system. We describe our new models that incorporate these features into the 3D models that we formerly developed using only the smooth spatial distributions. The new ISRF models have a significant degree of inhomogeneity in the distribution of the spectral intensities, particularly at ultraviolet and infrared frequencies. Comparison with multi-wavelength data shows good agreement with the new model predictions.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission
Openalex Percentile: Top 89%
Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Modelling the interstellar radiation field of the Milky Way at parsec scale resolution at its effect on cosmic ray electrons — G. Jóhannesson, Louis E. Strigari, et al. · (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS