Antennas for cosmic rays
Dr. Frank Schröder will search for high-energy photons accompanying cosmic rays using a novel radio measurement technique. He aims to find the highest-energy photons ever measured at an Antarctic location.
Cosmic Rays
Articles tagged with Cosmic Rays
The cosmic ray gun duel of Eta Carinae
Astronomers using NASA's NuSTAR satellite have revealed that binary star system Eta Carinae is capable of creating cosmic rays. The team observed the system and found evidence of a collision between the two stars' stellar winds, which forms shock waves and accelerates particles to nearly the speed of light.
CALET succeeds in direct measurements of cosmic-ray electron spectrum up to 4.8 TeV
The Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) successfully measured the cosmic-ray electron spectrum in an energy range from 11 GeV to 4.8 TeV, significantly improving statistical power and reducing systematic uncertainties. The findings will aid in understanding high-energy cosmic rays and dark matter.
SD mines scientists and students contribute to IceCube breakthrough
An international team, including SD Mines researchers, has found the first evidence of a source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos detected by IceCube. The blazar TXS 0506+056 is confirmed as the source, providing a pathway for scientists to follow back to the source.
VERITAS supplies critical piece to neutrino discovery puzzle
The VERITAS array has confirmed the detection of high-energy gamma rays from a supermassive black hole located in a distant galaxy, TXS 0506+056. This detection is significant as it provides evidence that nearby and faraway galaxies with supermassive blackholes at their centers are actively creating high-energy cosmic rays.
IceCube neutrinos point to long-sought cosmic ray accelerator
The discovery provides evidence for a known blazar as a source of high-energy neutrinos detected by the National Science Foundation-supported IceCube observatory. The observations resolve a century-old mystery about what creates and launches cosmic rays, which are highly energetic particles that continuously rain down on Earth from space.
MAGIC telescopes trace origin of a rare cosmic neutrino
Astrophysicists have localized a high-energy cosmic neutrino originating outside the Milky Way to a blazar in the Orion constellation using MAGIC telescopes and IceCube detector. The observation provides insight into the origin of cosmic rays, which are believed to be accelerated by protons in the blazar's jets.
VLA gives tantalizing clues about source of energetic cosmic neutrino
Astronomers have identified a blazar, TXS 0506+056, as the probable source of a high-energy neutrino detected by IceCube. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided clues about the blazar's radio emission.
Ghostly particle points to long-sought high-energy cosmic ray source
Researchers discovered a blazar, a giant elliptical galaxy with a massive black hole, is the source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos detected by IceCube Observatory. The discovery resolves a century-old mystery about what creates and propels cosmic rays.
Neutrino observation points to one source of high-energy cosmic rays
Researchers using NSF's IceCube Neutrino Observatory data confirmed a single neutrino's origin as a previously known blazar, providing the first definitive evidence of proton acceleration by black holes. This discovery sheds light on cosmic ray origins and supports multi-messenger astronomy.
NASA's NuSTAR mission proves superstar Eta Carinae shoots cosmic rays
The study using data from NASA's NuSTAR space telescope reveals that Eta Carinae accelerates particles to high energies, some of which may reach Earth as cosmic rays. The team's analysis suggests that the accelerated electrons and other particles are ejected in violent shock waves along the boundary of the colliding stellar winds.
CREDO: You too can help unveil the deepest puzzles of the universe
The CREDO Detector app allows users to contribute to the largest particle detector in history, exploring fundamental physics questions like dark matter and spacetime nature. By registering and initiating particle detection, users can gain co-authorship and membership in the international collaboration.
Deep space radiation treatment reboots brain's immune system
A novel drug has been identified as a potential treatment for brain damage caused by exposure to cosmic rays, protecting memory function in mice. The study's findings suggest that rebooting the brain's immune system may help prevent cognitive impairments in astronauts during deep space travel.
Underground neutrino experiment sets the stage for deep discovery about matter
The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR experiment has successfully shielded a sensitive detector array from background radioactivity, critical to developing a future ton-scale experiment. This achievement aims to study the nature of neutrinos and their role in explaining the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance.
UNH researchers find space radiation is increasingly more hazardous
Recent research from the University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center shows that space radiation is getting far more intense, posing significant risks to astronauts and satellite technology
New for three types of extreme-energy space particles: Theory shows unified origin
A new theoretical model reveals that these particles originate from accelerated cosmic rays via powerful black-hole jets. The model explains the similar energies of the particles by suggesting they inherit energy from their parent particles.
NASA's SuperTIGER balloon flies again to study heavy cosmic particles
Researchers will track ultra-heavy cosmic rays using the Super Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (SuperTIGER) instrument. The mission seeks to understand how and where heavy elements are formed in stars.
First finding of China's DAMPE may shed light on dark matter research
The DAMPE mission has published its first scientific results, presenting precise measurements of cosmic ray electron flux and a spectral break at ~0.9 TeV. This data may help clarify the connection between the positron anomaly and particle dark matter annihilation or decay.
Nearby pulsars shed light on the antimatter puzzle
Researchers used the HAWC Observatory to study two nearby pulsars, Geminga and PSR B0656+14, which produced high-energy positrons in cosmic rays. The analysis found that while pulsar radiation contributed some positrons, it was not enough to explain the excess.
CALET makes first direct measurements of high energy electrons in space
The CALET experiment has successfully measured the cosmic-ray electron spectrum up to 3 TeV, providing insight into the origin and acceleration of cosmic rays. The findings suggest the presence of nearby astrophysical sources, such as pulsars or dark matter annihilation.
Science: Ambassadors from distant galaxies
The Pierre Auger Observatory detects a large-scale anisotropy in the arrival directions of cosmic rays above 8×10^18 eV, indicating their extragalactic origin. Researchers believe the source region may be located near the Milky Way galaxy.
Observatory detects extragalactic cosmic rays hitting the Earth
A decade-long study by the Pierre Auger Collaboration has found six percent greater rate of extragalactic cosmic rays from one side of sky than other, suggesting acceleration sites are outside Milky Way. The observatory's detection provides compelling evidence for extragalactic origin of ultra-high energy cosmic particles.
Highest-energy cosmic rays have extragalactic origin
Research detects 30,000 high-energy particles with energies a million times greater than the LHC, finding that flux from certain regions of the sky is approximately 6% higher than uniform, indicating an extragalactic origin. The Pierre Auger Observatory detects these particles and analyzes their arrival directions.
From galaxies far far away!
The Pierre Auger Collaboration reports that cosmic rays with energies a million times greater than the protons accelerated in the Large Hadron Collider come from much further away. The study discovered an anisotropy in the arrival directions of over 30,000 cosmic particles, indicating an extragalactic origin.
Study confirms cosmic rays have extragalactic origins
A study published in Science confirms that the highest energy cosmic rays bombard the Earth come from outside the Milky Way Galaxy. The Pierre Auger Observatory collected data from 12 years, revealing an anisotropy in the distribution of arrival directions of cosmic particles.
Detecting cosmic rays from a galaxy far, far away
The Pierre Auger Collaboration has discovered an anisotropy in the arrival directions of cosmic rays above 8 × 10^18 eV, indicating extragalactic origin. This discovery sheds light on the nature of cosmic rays and their possible sources, with further studies underway to pinpoint the locations.
Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays come from galaxies far, far away
A new study reveals that ultra-high-energy cosmic rays come from galaxies far beyond our own Milky Way galaxy. The Pierre Auger Observatory's data analysis shows that these particles favor a specific direction, suggesting an extragalactic origin.
Stellar corpse sheds light on origin of cosmic rays
A new study reveals that electromagnetic radiation from the Crab Nebula may originate in a single population of electrons, challenging traditional models. This suggests that a different acceleration process is needed to explain the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
Astrophysicists explain the mysterious behavior of cosmic rays
A team of Russian and Chinese scientists has developed a model explaining the nature of high-energy cosmic rays in our Galaxy, focusing on Fermi bubbles. They propose that giant shock fronts can re-accelerate protons to energies exceeding 1015 eV, producing the observed CR spectrum above the 'knee'.
New mission going to the space station to explore mysteries of 'cosmic rain'
The ISS-CREAM mission will study cosmic rays at energies above 1 billion electron volts, shedding light on their origins and properties. The experiment aims to measure the highest-energy particles yet detected in space, providing unparalleled insights into the interstellar neighborhood.
Space-based experiment will tackle the mysteries of cosmic rays
The ISS-CREAM experiment aims to study the origin and diversity of cosmic rays, potentially revealing new details about dark matter. By detecting primary particles, ISS-CREAM will extend measurements to the highest energies possible and increase exposure by an order of magnitude.
Gamma-ray telescopes reveal a high-energy trap in our galaxy's center
A combined analysis of NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and H.E.S.S. data suggests the galactic center contains a high-energy trap that concentrates cosmic rays, mostly protons. This results in a gamma-ray glow extending to the highest energies observed.
Study: Collateral damage from cosmic rays increases cancer risks for Mars astronauts
A new predictive model shows that radiation from cosmic rays can extend to healthy cells, doubling the cancer risk for astronauts on Mars missions. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the need for additional research on cosmic ray exposures prior to long-term space missions.
NASA studies cosmic radiation to protect high-altitude travelers
NASA's Radiation Dosimetry Experiment reveals steady increase in cosmic radiation rate higher in the atmosphere, contrary to particle concentration. The findings will improve space weather models and develop real-time instruments for safe flight operations.
GRAPES-3 indicates a crack in Earth's magnetic shield
The GRAPES-3 muon telescope detected a burst of galactic cosmic rays that temporarily cracked Earth's magnetic shield, allowing lower energy particles to enter the atmosphere. The event triggered severe geomagnetic storms and radio signal blackouts in high-latitude countries.
Physicists leapfrog accelerators with ultrahigh energy cosmic rays
An international team of physicists has developed a method using Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs) to study particle interactions, potentially revealing new physical phenomena at higher energies than the Large Hadron Collider.
Mars-bound astronauts face chronic dementia risk from galactic cosmic ray exposure
A new study by UCI researchers found that prolonged spaceflight exposure to galactic cosmic rays can cause significant long-term brain damage in rodents, leading to cognitive impairments and dementia. The study raises concerns about the potential central nervous system complications astronauts may face during extended Mars missions.
Ancient supernovae buffeted Earth's biology with radiation dose, researcher says
A study suggests that ancient supernovae caused a significant increase in cosmic radiation on Earth, which may have boosted mutation rates and contributed to cancer. The researchers also found that this increased radiation could have led to a minor mass extinction event around 2.59 million years ago.
OU astrophysicists detect most luminous diffuse gamma-ray emission from Arp 220
Researchers detected gamma-ray emission in Arp 220, revealing extreme energetic processes and hidden cosmic rays. The finding expands energy observations of galaxies and sheds light on the population of extreme energetic particles.
Microscopic 'timers' reveal likely source of galactic space radiation
The study uses a rare type of cosmic ray that acts like a tiny timer to determine the age and distance of galactic cosmic rays. The results suggest that these cosmic rays were created recently and are coming from nearby clusters of massive stars within 3,000 light years of Earth.
Microscopic 'clocks' time distance to source of galactic cosmic rays
A rare type of iron nucleus, with a half-life of 2.6 million years, serves as a 'clock' to measure the distance between Earth and the source of galactic cosmic rays. The data suggest that nearby supernovae in massive star clusters are responsible for creating these nuclei.
HAWC Gamma-ray Observatory reveals new look at the very-high-energy sky
The HAWC Gamma-ray Observatory has released a new survey of the sky made from the highest energy gamma rays ever observed, revealing new high-energy sources within our own Milky Way galaxy. The observatory has also provided more detail on known sources, offering a deeper understanding of high-energy processes taking place in our galaxy...
NASAs New Horizons fills gap in space environment observations
New Horizons provided three years of measurements of the solar wind, filling a crucial gap between what other missions see closer to the sun and what Voyager spacecraft see further out. The data helps round out our picture of the sun's influence on space, including the origins of radiation hazards for astronauts.
The center of the Milky Way
A team of researchers has found evidence for a particle accelerator in the center of the Milky Way that can accelerate protons to petaelectronvolt energies. The discovery sheds new light on the origin of galactic cosmic rays and challenges existing theories.
Nature: KIT simulation analyzes cosmic rays
Recent measurements from the LOFAR radio telescope have provided new insights into the properties of cosmic rays, including a surprisingly high number of light particles at high energies. The KIT simulation code CoREAS has enabled precise analysis and interpretation of these signals.
VLA reveals spectacular 'halos' of spiral galaxies
A study of edge-on spiral galaxies has revealed that halos of cosmic rays and magnetic fields are much more common than previously thought. Researchers used the VLA to detect faint radio emission, providing valuable information on star formation, winds from exploding stars, and galaxy magnetic fields.
Research investigates whether solar events could trigger birth defects on Earth
A new NASA-funded investigation found that radiation from solar events is too weak to cause concern at ground level. However, previous research suggested a possible connection between cosmic rays and the rate of birth defects.
Exploding stars help to understand thunderclouds on Earth
Researchers used cosmic rays to measure electric fields in thunderclouds, revealing strengths of up to 50 kV/m. This new method provides a better understanding of lightning activity and contributes to more accurate predictions.
Syracuse geologists receive federal grant to study tectonic uplift
Researchers aim to create a novel paleoaltimetry tool that accurately measures paleoelevation and surface uplift rates independent of atmospheric circulation. They will use cosmogenic nuclides to determine shifts in elevation of slowly eroding mountain landscapes.
NASA balloons begin flying in Antarctica for 2014 campaign
The 2014-2015 Antarctic Scientific Balloon Campaign launched NASA's ANITA-III payload to detect ultra-high energy cosmogenic neutrino fluxes. The campaign also includes the launch of COSI, a gamma-ray telescope to study astrophysical sources of nuclear line emission.
Space travel is a bit safer than expected
The MATROSHKA experiment found that doses of cosmic radiation inside the International Space Station were lower than those recorded by astronauts' personal dosimeters. In open space, the overestimation was even higher, exceeding 200%.
UNH scientist: Cosmic rays threaten future deep-space astronaut missions
A new paper by University of New Hampshire scientists warns that cosmic rays pose a significant threat to future manned deep-space exploration. The study finds that extremely low densities and magnetic field strengths in the solar wind create hazardous radiation levels that limit allowable days for astronauts behind spacecraft shielding.
NASA's IBEX helps paint picture of the magnetic system beyond the solar wind
Researchers used NASA's IBEX data to build a computer model of the interplanetary magnetic field, revealing a non-uniform distribution of cosmic ray particles. The findings shed light on why more high-energy cosmic rays are measured coming from one side of the sun than the other.
IBEX research shows influence of galactic magnetic field extends beyond our solar system
The study of energetic particles at the edge of our solar system suggests that the galactic magnetic field wraps around our heliosphere, influencing the orientation of energetic particles. The research combines data from IBEX and ultra-high-energy cosmic ray physics to provide a more complete picture of the interactions between the two.
Scientists reveal cosmic roadmap to galactic magnetic field
Recent measurements have validated IBEX's signature finding on the local interstellar magnetic field direction. The consistent picture reveals how the heliosphere is shaped by the interstellar magnetic field, influencing cosmic rays and life on Earth.
First rock dating experiment performed on Mars
Researchers at California Institute of Technology successfully dated a Martian rock using the Sample Analysis on Mars instrument, determining its age to be about 3.86-4.56 billion years old. This experiment provides valuable insights into Mars' geologic history and aids in searching for evidence of ancient life on the planet.
Searching for cosmic accelerators via IceCube
Scientists have observed 28 extremely high-energy events that confirm the presence of astrophysical neutrinos from outside our solar system. These findings suggest the existence of cosmic accelerators accelerating particles to energies above 50 trillion electron volts, exceeding the LHC's proton acceleration capabilities.
NASA instrument determines hazards of deep-space radiation
CRaTER, an instrument on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, has made detailed measurements of radiation in deep space. The findings provide crucial data on the high-energy hazards at and around the moon, enabling astronauts to shield against radiation.
UNH scientists document, quantify deep-space radiation hazards
Scientists from UNH have published comprehensive findings on space-based radiation hazards using a UNH-led detector aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The data provide critical information on the radiation hazards faced by astronauts on extended missions to deep space like Mars.
Solar activity playing a minimal role in global warming, research suggests
A new study by Professor Terry Sloan and Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale found that changes in solar activity had a negligible impact on global temperatures. The researchers compared data on cosmic rays entering the atmosphere with global temperature records, concluding that less than 14% of the twentieth century's warming was attribut...