Echoes of the past: ultra-high-energy cosmic rays accelerated by radio galaxies, scattered by starburst galaxies

We explore the possibility that the hotspot of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) detected by the Telescope Array from the approximate direction of M82 and the M81 group of galaxies might be the echo of UHECRs emitted by Centaurus A in an earlier more powerful phase. Echoes from other starburst galaxies or groups of galaxies may contribute to the UHECR flux at the Earth. We use an illustrative Monte Carlo model of monoenergetic UHECR transport by small-angle scattering to generate synthetic sky maps. The model informs a discussion of overall energetics and time- and distance scales. We find a viable echo model for the observed UHECR hotspots if the UHECR luminosity of Centaurus A 20 Myr ago was 200 times its present luminosity and if the ordered magnetic field exceeds 10-20 nG out to a distance of 400-800 kpc in the circumgalactic medium of M82 and other starburst galaxies.

Automated summary

This study explores the possibility that the detected hotspot of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) from the direction of M82 and the M81 group of galaxies could be the result of echoes from previous emissions by Centaurus A. The research also considers the impact of echoes from other starburst galaxies or groups of galaxies on the UHECR flux at Earth. Synthetic sky maps are created using a Monte Carlo model of monoenergetic UHECR transport by small-angle scattering, providing insights into energetics, time scales, and distance scales. The findings suggest that the observed UHECR hotspots can be explained by a viable echo model if Centaurus A had 200 times its present luminosity 20 million years ago and if ordered magnetic fields exceeding 10-20 nG were present in the circumgalactic medium of M82 and other starburst galaxies extending up to a distance of 400-800 kpc.