Cosmic rays
Cosmic rays
Cosic rays (/ˈkɒz.mɪk reɪz/) are high-energy protons and atomic nuclei which move through space at nearly the speed of light. They originate from the sun, from outside of the solar system in our own galaxy, and from distant galaxies.
Etymology
The term "cosmic ray" is a misnomer; in science, cosmic rays are not electromagnetic radiation (rays), but rather particles. The term originated from the mistaken belief that cosmic rays were electromagnetic radiation. In current usage, the term cosmic ray almost exclusively refers to particles.
History
Cosmic rays were discovered by Victor Hess in 1912 in balloon flights. The discovery was confirmed in 1913 by Werner Kolhörster. Since then, a wide variety of cosmic ray sources have been discovered, including supernovae, active galactic nuclei, and gamma-ray bursts.
Types of Cosmic Rays
Cosmic rays can be divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary cosmic rays, which originate from outside the solar system, are mostly protons, with a small amount of heavier nuclei and a tiny fraction of positrons and electrons. Secondary cosmic rays, which are created when primary cosmic rays interact with the Earth's atmosphere, consist of a wide variety of particles, including neutrons, mesons, and muons.
Effects of Cosmic Rays
Cosmic rays can have a number of effects on the Earth and its inhabitants. They can cause ionization in the atmosphere, leading to the creation of auroras. They can also cause damage to electronic equipment, particularly in satellites and other spacecraft. In humans, exposure to high levels of cosmic rays can increase the risk of cancer.
Related Terms
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