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Cosmic rays are an essential part of the universe. This book reviews our present knowledge of cosmic rays, describing how they are born in a wide range of cosmic processes, how they are accelerated and how they behave during their journey across the Galaxy.

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Offers an accessible text and reference (a cosmic-ray manual) for graduate students entering the field and high-energy astrophysicists will find this an accessible cosmic-ray manual
Easy to read for the general astronomer, the first part describes the standard model of cosmic rays based on our understanding of modern particle physics.
Presents the acceleration scenario in some detail in supernovae explosions as well as in the passage of cosmic rays through the Galaxy.
Compares experimental data in the atmosphere as well as underground are compared with theoretical models

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1 Overview.- Part I The Standard Model of Cosmic Rays.- 2 Cosmic ray interactions.- 3 The birth of cosmic rays.- 4 Cosmic rays in the Galaxy.- 5 Cosmic rays at the top of the atmosphere.- 6 Cosmic rays in the atmosphere.- 7 Cosmic rays underground.- Part II Contemporary Challenges.- 8 Cosmic ray showers.- 9 The end of the cosmic ray spectrum.- 10 High energy neutrino and gamma-ray astronomy.- A Appendix.- References.- Index.

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From the reviews of the first edition:

"... carefully crafted and well-written." (Stefan Westerhoff, Columbia University, Physics Today, September 2004)

"This publication ... is aimed at serious students of the subject. ... Arranged in two parts, Stanev first describes the standard model of cosmic rays and the interactions that are important ... . The second part describes the challenges of current cosmic ray research ... . It is a ´must read´ for those with a passion to find out more about the high energy universe." (Roger Feasey, Journal of the Auckland Astronomical Society AAS, August, 2005)

"Todor Stanev ... has distilled the essence of cosmic ray physics. It is a magnificent achievement and will be invaluable for workers in the field. It should also be available for consultation by researchers in related disciplines ... there will also be a need to make use of excellent list of referenced material." (Roger Clay, The Physicist, Vol. 41 (5), September/October, 2004)

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Graduate students entering the field and high-energy astrophysicists will find this an accessible cosmic-ray manual, Easy to read for the general astronomer, the first part describes the standard model of cosmic rays based on our understanding of modern particle physics. The acceleration scenario is presented in some detail in supernovae explosions as well as in the passage of cosmic rays through the Galaxy. Experimental data in the atmosphere as well as underground are compared with theoretical models. The second part is devoted to contemporary cosmic ray research like the analysis of shower phenomena, the end of the cosmic spectrum and high-energy neutrino astronomy.

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