LEAKAGE ELECTRONS FROM NORMAL GALAXIES - DIFFUSE COSMIC X-RAY SOURCE

Diffuse cosmic x rays arise from Compton collisions between galactic leakage electrons and the 2.7°K thermal background photons in extragalactic space. Assuming that the break seen in the electron spectra within normal galaxies is intrinsic to the cosmic-ray sources, we obtain detailed agreement with the observed x-ray spectral shape and intensity using only parameters obtained from radio observations. This serves to verify most of the properties of the microwave blackbody radiation. © 1969 The American Physical Society.