# The LHAASO PeVatron bright sky: what we learned

**Authors:** Martina Cardillo, Andrea Giuliani  
**arXiv:** [2305.10526](https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.10526)  
**Date:** 2023-05-17  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2305.10526v1/

## Key points

- Detection of 12 gamma-ray Galactic sources above E > 100 TeV by LHAASO observatory is a significant breakthrough in the search for the origin of Cosmic Rays (CR).
- Spatial correlation with leptonic accelerators like pulsars and pulsar wind nebulae challenges the existing paradigm that a gamma-ray detection at E > 100 TeV implies the presence of a hadronic accelerator of PeV particles (PeVatron).
- Results from LHAASO suggest that sources other than traditional candidates like Supernova Remnants can accelerate Galactic CRs.
- Upcoming Cherenkov telescopes like ASTRI Mini-Array and CTA, along with future neutrino detectors such as KM3NeT and IceCube-Gen2, will play a crucial role in further understanding these findings.
- Development and performance of these instruments are key to advancing comprehension of Galactic PeVatrons.
- Ongoing measurements of CR spectrum, composition, and anisotropy are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of underlying physics behind CR acceleration, escape mechanisms, and propagation within our galaxy.
- Significant progress has been made in the field of Cosmic Rays and their origins with remarkable results already achieved.
- Exciting prospects lie ahead in both gamma-ray and neutrino astronomy for further exploration into this fascinating area of astrophysics.

## Summary

The recent detection of 12 gamma-ray Galactic sources above E > 100 TeV by the LHAASO observatory has marked a significant breakthrough in the search for the origin of Cosmic Rays (CR). These sources show spatial correlation with leptonic accelerators such as pulsars and pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe), challenging the existing paradigm that a gamma-ray detection at E > 100 TeV implies the presence of a hadronic accelerator of PeV particles (PeVatron). The results from LHAASO also suggest that sources other than traditional candidates like Supernova Remnants can accelerate Galactic CRs. Looking ahead, the good angular resolution of upcoming Cherenkov telescopes like the ASTRI Mini-Array and CTA, along with the enhanced sensitivity of future neutrino detectors such as KM3NeT and IceCube-Gen2, will play a crucial role in further understanding these findings. The development and performance of these instruments are key to advancing our comprehension of Galactic PeVatrons. Once operational, they have the potential to provide valuable data that could help solve more pieces of the CR origin puzzle. Ongoing measurements of CR spectrum, composition, and anisotropy are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying physics behind CR acceleration, escape mechanisms, and propagation within our galaxy. As we continue to make progress in this field, it is important to acknowledge the significant work that has already been done with remarkable results. In conclusion, while there is still much to learn about Cosmic Rays and their origins, it is clear that we have made substantial advancements in our knowledge. With exciting prospects on the horizon in both gamma-ray and neutrino astronomy, there is a bright future ahead for further exploration into this fascinating area of astrophysics.