Cosmic ray astronomy

Add links
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Cosmic ray astronomy is a branch of

atomic nuclei (mostly of helium, but potentially of all chemical elements), travel through space at nearly the speed of light (such as the ultra-high-energy "Oh-My-God particle"[3]) and provide valuable insights into the most energetic processes in the universe. Unlike other branches of observational astronomy, it uniquely relies on charged particles as carriers of information.[1]

Detection methods

The Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina is the world's largest cosmic ray observatory

Astronomers use ground-based

Earth's atmosphere.[1] The properties of the original cosmic ray particle, such as arrival direction and energy, are inferred from the measured properties of the extensive air shower, which is the cascade of secondary particles collectively showering down through the atmosphere. There are two kinds of ground-based detectors: Surface detector arrays analyze the air shower at a unique altitude, whereas air fluorescence detectors record the shower development in the atmosphere, based on the interactions of air shower particles with nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere.[4] Modern "hybrid" detectors, such as the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina and the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory in Sichuan, China, take advantage of the complementary nature of these two. Moreover, scientific balloons (such as the one used in Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass Experiment[5]) and satellites (such as China's Dark Matter Particle Explorer
or DAMPE telescope) can also be used to observe pure cosmic rays at very high altitudes and in outer space.

Benefits

By studying the energy, direction, and composition of cosmic rays, scientists can uncover the sources and acceleration mechanisms behind these particles, which reveal astrophysical processes such as supernova explosions, black hole accretion, and galactic magnetic fields. Observations of cosmic rays led to the discovery of subatomic particles beyond the proton, neutron, and electron, including the positron and the muon, laying the groundwork for modern

archaeological artifacts and geological formations.[6]

History

Victor Hess
first discovered cosmic rays in 1912 with airborne ballons.

Historical milestones in cosmic ray astronomy inclue

gamma-ray telescopes in the 1980s-1990s, enabling observations of gamma rays produced by cosmic ray interactions; the advent of space-based detectors like AMS-02 on the International Space Station in the 2000s, providing insights from space;[11] and recent progress in multi-messenger astronomy in the 2010s, integrating cosmic ray observations with other astrophysical signals for a more complete view of cosmic phenomena.[12]

Future

With advancements in technology and the development of more sensitive detection systems, astronomers anticipate making new discoveries about the sources, acceleration mechanisms, and propagation of cosmic rays. These insights will contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying physics governing the cosmos. Future cosmic ray observatories, such as the Cherenkov Telescope Array, will use advanced techniques to detect gamma rays produced by cosmic ray interactions in Earth's atmosphere. Since these gamma rays will be the most sensitive means to study cosmic rays near their source, these observatories will enable astronomers to study cosmic rays with unprecedented precision.[13] Cosmic ray astronomy faces difficulty in identifying the exact sources of cosmic rays because charged particles are deflected by magnetic fields in space, and as a result tracing the paths of cosmic rays back to their origins require sophisticated modeling techniques and multi-messenger observations to infer their source locations. Moreover, due to the high-energy nature of these rays, the need for full-sky exposure,[14] minimization of deflection by magnetic fields and elimination of background from distant sources present technical challenges.

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.1088/1367-2630/11/5/055004
  2. ^ a b Joseph A. Angelo (2014), Encyclopedia of Space and Astronomy, Infobase Publishing, p. 64
  3. ISSN 2640-2661. Archived
    from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  4. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/293/1/012036
  5. ^ "NSF/NASA Scientific Balloon Launches From Antarctica". U.S. National Science Foundation. December 21, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Louise Lerner (December 5, 2023). "Cosmic rays, explained". UChicago News. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  7. ^ "Cosmic rays: particles from outer space". CERN. 10 April 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  8. ^ David J. Eicher (July 1, 2019). "Where do cosmic rays come from?". Astronomy. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  9. doi:10.1016/j.asr.2008.10.038
  10. ^ Matt Mygatt (December 3, 1995). "Defunct N.M. Site Starred in Cosmic Ray Research From '58 to '72 : Physics: Scientists hope to revive Volcano Ranch architecture and add latest technology for two new facilities in quest to understand universe". LA Times. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  11. ^ Ana Lopes (May 19, 2021). "AMS, a decade of cosmic discoveries". CERN. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  12. doi:10.3389/fspas.2019.00032
  13. ^ "The Venturing Beyond the High-Energy Frontier". Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO). Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  14. doi:10.1016/S0927-6505(00)00130-4
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cosmic_ray_astronomy&oldid=1223283100"