Articles tagged with Cosmic Rays
A team of scientists has identified astrophysical objects with charged particles reaching Earth at high energies. The Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina recorded the particles, which carry as much energy as a bullet or a tennis ball off Roger Federer's racket.
The Pierre Auger Observatory has found that active galactic nuclei, powered by super-massive black holes, are the most likely source of the highest-energy cosmic rays. The sources of these particles are not distributed uniformly across the sky, but rather linked to nearby galaxies with active nuclei.
A study by scientists has found that the most energetic particles in the universe – ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays – are correlated with the centers of active galaxies hosting violent black holes. The sources are thought to be within 326 million light years, our local neighborhood in cosmic terms.
The Pierre Auger Observatory has found that the sources of the highest-energy cosmic rays are linked to nearby galaxies with active nuclei in their centers. This discovery provides new insights into the origin and acceleration of these particles.
Scientists from 17 countries identify Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) as the most likely source of the highest-energy cosmic rays using data-gathering equipment designed at Michigan Tech. The findings, reported in Science journal, bring researchers closer to understanding the origin of ultra-high energy particles.
Recent observations from NASA and Japanese X-ray observatories have helped clarify the origin of cosmic rays. The study, published in Nature, suggests that magnetic fields in supernova remnants are stronger than previously thought, enabling them to accelerate charged particles to enormous energies.
A team of physicists proposes a new mechanism to produce cosmic gamma rays from starlight, challenging existing theories. The new mechanism involves the interaction of fast-moving nuclei with ultraviolet light, producing cosmic gamma rays without requiring extreme electromagnetic fields.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison devise approach to 'see' extra dimensions by deciphering cosmic energy released in the universe's violent birth. The method provides evidence for testing string theory's existence and predicts specific shapes for the six hidden dimensions.
Astronomers have mapped the rate of acceleration of cosmic ray electrons in a supernova remnant, showing close to maximum theoretical rates. The discovery provides evidence that supernova remnants are key sites for energizing charged particles.
Research reveals a link between cosmic rays and fluctuations in Earth's biosphere productivity, with star formation rates influencing cloud cover and climate. Cosmic radiation affected biological productivity through its influence on cloud formation, leading to higher productivity during cold periods.
Scientists are researching ways to reduce radiation-induced brain damage for Mars missions, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The research project is part of a $14-million study funded by NASA to determine the human brain's maximum safe cosmic radiation dose.
Dr. Catherine Cesarsky has been elected as the new President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for a three-year term, becoming the first woman to receive this distinction. She brings extensive experience in research and leadership, having previously served as ESO Director General.
The Telescope Array in Utah will be 10 times more sensitive than previous experiments and aim to answer the mystery of cosmic rays' origin. The observatory will use fluorescence detectors and scintillation detectors to measure air showers and search for sources of ultrahigh-energy particles.
A new theory published in Geophysical Research Letters explains the energization of anomalous cosmic rays by including a realistic termination shock shape. The model shows that particles are accelerated on the flanks of the termination shock, contradicting previous assumptions.
The H.E.S.S. collaboration has discovered gamma-ray emission from a complex of gas clouds near the Milky Way Galaxy's centre, revealing a prehistoric particle accelerator. The density of cosmic rays exceeds that in the solar neighbourhood, suggesting recent acceleration.
Researchers at New York University's Milagro facility have detected the most energetic gamma rays yet observed along the galactic equator, reaching 3.5 trillion electron-volts in energy. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, provide new insights into cosmic-ray interactions with interstellar medium.
The Pierre Auger Observatory is constructing an array of 1600 detectors in Argentina to study ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. The collaboration includes 370 scientists from 60 institutions and has set out to answer fundamental questions about the origins of these rare particles.
A case-control study involving 445 men found an association between cumulative cosmic radiation dose and nuclear cataract risk among commercial airline pilots. The odds ratio was 3.02 for pilots compared with nonpilots, indicating a potential causative factor in nuclear cataracts.
Astronomers study remnant of 1,000-year-old supernova to solve long-standing puzzle of cosmic ray origin. They create gamma-ray image using Cherenkov radiation, providing first unequivocal proof that supernovae produce galactic cosmic rays.
Researchers have reconstructed sunspot activity over the last 11,400 years and found that the current level of high solar activity is unique within the past 8,000 years. This study suggests that the Sun's magnetic field is the origin and energy source of these phenomena.
Astronomers have detected high-energy gamma rays emanating from the center of the Milky Way galaxy, sparking debate about the nature of these mysterious emissions. The observation suggests a giant supernova explosion as the possible source, which could accelerate cosmic gamma rays to unprecedented energies.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research found a moderate correlation between solar activity and climate change. However, their study suggests that the Sun's influence on global warming is relatively small over the last 20-30 years.
Researchers found that ocean acidity influences early estimates of carbon dioxide and temperature link, correcting temperature curves to match glacial records. They applied correction factors for changes in acidity, calcium ions, and carbon dioxide saturation, accurately predicting two major glaciations.
Scientists disagree with Nir Shaviv and Jan Veizer's claim that cosmic rays influence global warming. The current warming is mainly caused by human emissions of carbon dioxide, according to 11 experts in the field.
A team of LSU researchers is contributing to the largest-ever cosmic-ray experiment, analyzing data from a $100 million facility in Argentina. The project aims to understand the origin and properties of high-energy cosmic rays, which have puzzled scientists for years.
A new neutron detector is being developed to monitor spacecraft radiation, with a goal of creating a lightweight and portable device that can detect high-energy neutrons. The detector will provide crucial data for exploration missions outside Earth's orbit, where astronauts are exposed to increased radiation levels.
A new study seeks to understand the impact of cosmic radiation on aircraft systems, aiming to improve the definition of the atmospheric radiation field. The research involves collecting data from flights across various routes and latitudes to produce global maps reflecting dynamic radiation patterns.
Researchers suggest celestial processes dominate climate change, with cosmic rays influencing low-level cloud formation and blocking sun warming. Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are secondary to natural forces.
Scientists estimate a significant increase in low-energy cosmic ray flux, leading to enhanced heating and ionization in diffuse interstellar gas clouds. This finding implies the production of more complex molecules than previously thought, with potential implications for the origin of life.
A new study suggests that dust in the Kuiper Belt produces anomalous cosmic rays, which have been puzzling scientists. The research provides a possible explanation for the origin of these high-energy particles and offers insights into the composition and interactions of the solar system.
A new study suggests that cosmic rays could be the cause of global warming, proposing a height-dependent effect on cloudiness. The research proposes that increased cosmic ray intensity during periods of decreased solar wind may contribute to global cooling by stimulating the formation of dense clouds.
Researchers found that volcanic eruptions can completely reverse the influence of sunspots on global climate, contradicting previous assumptions about their relationship. By studying ice cores, they discovered that explosive volcanic activity coincides with correlation reversals between sunspot activity and climate.
Researchers propose a new mechanism to explain the X-ray galactic ridge's origin, involving low-energy cosmic rays interacting with neutral molecular clouds. The study suggests that this process can produce the observed X-ray emission without requiring dramatic events or unusual astrophysical processes.
The TIGER experiment is making a groundbreaking second loop around the South Pole to study the origin of cosmic rays. By examining abundance ratios of neighboring elements, scientists aim to determine whether atoms were accelerated individually or as dust grains, and gain insights into supernovas.
Electrons accelerated by supernova shock waves can achieve speeds approaching light speed, according to a new study. The research uses computer simulations to investigate the behavior of electrons in magnetic fields and oscillating electric fields, suggesting a novel method for producing high-energy charged particles.
Researchers are working together on the Pierre Auger Project to find the source of high-energy cosmic rays. The project aims to build two huge observatories in the southern and northern hemisphere to detect and measure extensive air showers produced by these particles.
The BOOMERANG experiment found a flat universe by analyzing cosmic microwave background radiation data. The team used the NERSC supercomputer to process the large dataset and derive fundamental cosmic parameters with high accuracy.
Astronomers have created an energy spectrum of hot gas surrounding a giant black hole using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. The study reveals a warm blanket of gas expanding rapidly away from the black hole and provides insights into the complex nature of inflowing and outflowing gas in galaxies.
Researchers captured the first direct images of how high-energy X-rays break apart proteins, revealing specific chemical bonds vulnerable to radiation. This discovery may lead to new methods for preventing radiation damage and improving diagnostic tools for protecting against radiation exposure.
The AGU Book 'New Perspectives on the Earth's Magnetotail' provides first-hand information on energetic particles and reveals basic properties of plasma in the universe. Edited by top experts, it offers a basis for understanding cosmic processes and auroral/geomagnetic phenomena.
Engineers warn that natural alpha particle emissions from materials like lead solder could corrupt data, causing crashes or data loss. The next generation of microprocessors will be more susceptible to this threat due to shrinking transistors.
Physicist Glennys Farrar proposes that extremely high-energy cosmic rays come from distant quasars, violating the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff. She suggests a new subatomic particle, the SO, with neutral and gluon-bound properties, as an alternative explanation.
Scientists discuss ways to use lightweight materials like hydrogen, boron, and lithium for radiation shielding. Researchers also explore using composites and polyamide binders for efficient protection against space radiation.
The research proposes that cosmic ray jets can cause lethal amounts of muons, destroying the ozone layer and creating new species through rapid mutations. The theory explains key characteristics of massive extinctions and suggests ways to gather evidence for past catastrophes.
The USMP-4 space mission closed with ongoing astrophysics research using cosmic ray measurements to analyze Confided Helium Experiment data. The Confined Helium Experiment used liquid helium to measure the finite size effect, and scientists are analyzing radiation effects to understand background heating noise.
A new gamma-ray telescope will reveal new views of binary stars, black holes, and pulsars, shedding light on violent stellar explosions. The instrument, built by Columbia physicist Elena Aprile, will measure gamma rays between 300,000 to 30 million electron-volts, helping scientists understand element creation.