Cosmic ray astronomy is a branch of observational astronomy where scientists attempt to identify and study the potential sources of extremely high-energy (ranging from 1 MeV to more than 1 EeV) charged particles called cosmic rays coming from outer space.[1][2] These particles, which include protons (nucleus of hydrogen), electrons, positrons and 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]
- ^ a b P. Sommers; S. Westerhoff (February 9, 2008), "Cosmic ray astronomy", New Journal of Physics, 11 (5), arXiv:0802.1267, doi:10.1088/1367-2630/11/5/055004
- ^ Joseph A. Angelo (2014), Encyclopedia of Space and Astronomy, Infobase Publishing, p. 64
- ^ Wolchover, Natalie (14 May 2015). "The particle that broke a cosmic speed limit". Quanta Magazine. ISSN 2640-2661. Archived from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
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