Electrons in the galactic cosmic radiation

A discussion is given of the present status of our knowledge of cosmic-ray electrons at high energies. Measurements of the charge ratio of electrons indicate that most electrons are generated in sources within the Galaxy. Radiative energy loss processes are expected to lead to a steepening of the energy spectrum at high energies. A compilation of the existing measurements of the flux and energy spectrum of electrons up to almost 1000GeV is shown. No unambiguous conclusion as to the existence of the spectral steepening can be drawn on the basis of these data. The experimental difficulties and prospects for future investigations are briefly discussed