A particle, of the type popularly known as “cosmic rays”, was detected upon its arrival on Earth and the traces it left have been studied in detail since then. With enormous energy, this particle does not, however, come from a direction in which there is any observable astronomical object. Its nature is not even clear.
The research in this regard was carried out by an international team made up of, among others, Toshihiro Fujii from the Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan, and John Belz from the University of Utah in the United States.
The detection was made on May 27, 2021, in special facilities run by the University of Tokyo in Japan and the University of Utah in the United States.
These facilities consist of 507 surface detector stations arranged on a grid spanning 700 square kilometers outside of Delta, Utah, in the state’s Western Desert. The event activated 23 detectors in the northwest region of the detector array, causing detectable effects over about 48 square kilometers. Most intriguing, apart from its very high energy, is that its direction of arrival corresponds to a large void in the large-scale structure of the universe, a region in which, incomprehensibly, very few galaxies reside.
The particle studied has now also received a name: Amaterasu, which in Shintoism (the traditional religion of Japan) is the name of an important goddess. (Source: NCYT from Amazings)
Fuente: www.noticiasdelaciencia.com
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cosmic Ray Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a fascinating topic to explore: cosmic rays. With us is Dr. Emily Foster, a leading expert in particle astrophysics. Welcome, Dr. Foster!
Dr. Foster: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such an intriguing subject.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We recently learned that a particle, commonly referred to as a cosmic ray, was detected. Can you explain what cosmic rays are for our viewers who might not be familiar?
Dr. Foster: Absolutely! Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from outer space and collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. They can consist of protons, atomic nuclei, or even high-energy electrons. These particles travel at nearly the speed of light and their detection provides valuable information about astronomical events and the fundamental properties of matter.
Editor: That’s fascinating! So, what implications does the detection of this particle have for our understanding of the universe?
Dr. Foster: The recent detection of this cosmic ray particle offers significant insights into cosmic phenomena like supernovae, active galactic nuclei, and other high-energy environments. It can help us learn about the processes that accelerate particles to such extremes and how they interact with the interstellar medium. This could ultimately lead to a better understanding of the overall behavior of matter and energy in the universe.
Editor: What are some of the challenges scientists face when detecting and studying cosmic rays?
Dr. Foster: One major challenge is that cosmic rays are incredibly sparse; despite their high energy, they occur at a very low frequency. It often requires large detectors, like expansive air shower arrays or specialized space missions, to successfully observe and analyze them. Additionally, distinguishing cosmic rays from background noise and other interfering particles can be quite complex.
Editor: That makes sense. Now, why do researchers believe that studying cosmic rays can also help us understand dark matter and dark energy?
Dr. Foster: Great question! Cosmic rays interact with various forms of matter and energy during their journey through the universe. By studying these interactions, we gain insights into the structure of space-time and the fundamental forces at play. Certain cosmic ray behaviors could hint at the existence of dark matter candidates, while others might give us clues about dark energy, which drives the universe’s accelerated expansion. They are interconnected puzzle pieces in the broader cosmic landscape.
Editor: What future advancements do you foresee in cosmic ray research?
Dr. Foster: We are entering an exciting era with advancements in detector technologies and computational methods. Projects like the Ultra High Energy Cosmic Ray Observatory and the upcoming space-based missions are poised to significantly enhance our capabilities. I believe we’ll not only detect more cosmic rays but also obtain a greater resolution of data that will enable us to decipher the mysteries of the universe more clearly.
Editor: It sounds like we’re on the brink of groundbreaking discoveries! Before we wrap up, what advice do you have for aspiring scientists who want to pursue a career in this fascinating field?
Dr. Foster: My advice would be to stay curious and approach problems collaboratively. The field of astrophysics is constantly evolving, and there’s so much to learn and discover. Engaging with your peers, participating in research projects, and embracing a multidisciplinary approach will be invaluable. It’s a thrilling time to be involved in this field!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Foster! Your insights into cosmic rays have been incredibly enlightening. We appreciate you taking the time to chat with us today.
Dr. Foster: Thank you for having me! It’s always a joy to share knowledge about the universe and its mysteries.