Galactic Turbulence and the Origins of Cosmic Rays and the Galactic Magnetic Field

Abstract

A new absorption mechanism is discussed in relation to the turbulence of the interstellar gas in the presence of a magnetic field. It is evaluated and compared with ordinary viscous absorption in different types of interstellar gas. Wherever there is a proportion, even though very small, of neutral atoms (helium being most likely) the new mechanism predominates for waves of length comparable with one parsec or more.