GALACTIC X-RAYS AND GAMMA-RAYS

A consistent explanation of the observed galactic flux of high-energy γ rays and the reported galactic x-ray flux is provided in terms of Compton scattering of cosmic-ray electrons with the submillimeter radiation observed recently. It is predicted that the flux of galactic x rays, relative to that of cosmic x rays, will increase with increasing energy. Thus, if an increased enhancement in the flux of high-energy (∼200-keV) x rays in going across the galactic equator is not observed, the existence, on a galactic scale, of the submillimeter radiation will be ruled out. © 1969 The American Physical Society.