Category: Space > Cosmic Rays
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from various sources in the universe, including supernovae, active galactic nuclei, and even the Sun. Remarkably, some of these particles can travel across billions of light-years, reaching Earth at nearly the speed of light. One of the most intriguing aspects of cosmic rays is their ability to interact with the atmosphere, producing showers of secondary particles that can be detected on the surface. When a cosmic ray hits the Earth's atmosphere, it can create a cascade of particles, including muons, which can be detected by ground-based observatories. This phenomenon not only provides insights into the origins of these high-energy particles but also helps scientists study the composition of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics. The mysterious journey of cosmic rays is a testament to the dynamic and interconnected nature of the cosmos, revealing the complex interactions that occur across vast distances in space.