Non-thermal processes in non-standard accelerators: protostellar jets and runaway stars

Abstract

In addition to efficient particle accelerators in the Galaxy, such as supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae, other sources can accelerate particles up to very high energies. We present the case of protostellar jets and runaway stars, where strong shocks act upon electrons and protons through a diffusive process. The detection of synchrotron radio emission from these sources indicates that at least electrons are accelerated in these systems. If protons are accelerated as well, both population of relativistic particles can produce high-energy radiation through a variety of processes. We show results from models of the non-thermal emission, from radio to gamma rays, in these kind of sources. High-energy photons from both protostellar jets and massive runaways might be detectable with the current facilities in the GeV domain, or by the forthcoming Cherenkov arrays. A clear detection would prove that young stars are also cosmic ray accelerators.