Radiocarbon Production by the Gamma-Ray Component of Supernova Explosions

Abstract

Supernova explosions occur at the rate of about two per century in a standard galaxy whose light is equal to 1010 Suns, assuming that the Hubble constant is 100 km-1 s per Mpc (Murdin 1990). In our galaxy, seven supernovas have been visually observed since the 2nd century AD. There are also two optical supernova remnants and one that is only a radio remnant, for a total of 10 in 18 centuries, or alittle more than one every other century (Table 1, Fig. 1). Supernovas are the source of not only visible, but also ultraviolet and infrared light, as well as neutrinos and cosmic rays. Cosmic rays include nuclides (ionized hydrogen and helium as well as heavier elements), X rays and y rays.