Final answer:
Supernova explosions are currently considered the most likely source of cosmic rays, as they produce shock waves that accelerate charged particles. While the scenario of two rotating neutron stars causing atoms in a gas to collide and generate cosmic rays is interesting, supernovae are the more widely accepted source. Although the idea of neutron stars is intriguing, it is not currently considered the primary mechanism for cosmic ray production.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to current understanding, the best candidates for the source of cosmic rays are supernova explosions, which occur when stars undergo violent deaths. The material ejected from these explosions produces shock waves that travel through the interstellar medium. As charged particles bounce back and forth across the front of the shock wave, the magnetic fields inside accelerate them, eventually reaching speeds close to the speed of light and escaping as cosmic rays.
While the idea of two rotating neutron stars causing atoms in a gas to crash into each other forcefully enough to produce cosmic rays is an interesting concept, supernova explosions are currently the most widely accepted source. The high speeds and energies of cosmic rays, including protons and antiprotons, are more likely to be generated through the mechanisms associated with supernova explosions rather than through overlapping magnetic fields of neutron stars.
Therefore, while the scenario of rotating neutron stars may not be the primary source of cosmic rays, it is still an intriguing area of study within astrophysics.