Theory 95/Cosmic/Cosmic rays
Spectrum Is Acceleration Against Escape
The claim
The cosmic ray spectrum is set by the ratio of acceleration rate to escape rate, so a source that accelerates slowly produces a steep spectrum.
01Mechanism
Particles gain energy in shocks and leave the accelerator; the ratio determines the spectral index.
02Prediction
Spectral index should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Index tracking shock strength alone would remove escape.