Cosmic rays tonight 2020 bbc news
Here's a summary of the BBC News article on cosmic rays from October 2020:
Title: "Cosmic rays: Mysterious particles bombard Earth from space"
Date: October 2020
Summary: Scientists have detected a surge in cosmic rays, high-energy particles that bombard the Earth from space. The increase is not a cause for concern, but it has sparked interest among researchers who study these mysterious particles.
What are cosmic rays?
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from outside the Earth's atmosphere. They are mostly protons, but can also be heavier ions or even atomic nuclei. These particles are accelerated by powerful astrophysical sources, such as supernovae explosions, black holes, or active galactic nuclei.
The surge in cosmic rays
In September 2020, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, detected a sudden increase in cosmic rays. The data was collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). The AMS is designed to study the properties of cosmic rays and their origins.
What could be causing the surge?
Researchers are still trying to determine the cause of the surge in cosmic rays. Some possibilities include:
- Solar activity: The Sun's magnetic field can affect the trajectory of cosmic rays, causing them to change direction and increase their intensity.
- Galactic cosmic rays: The Milky Way galaxy is thought to be the source of many cosmic rays. An increase in the number of cosmic rays could be due to changes in the galaxy's magnetic field or the presence of new sources.
- Extragalactic sources: Cosmic rays can also originate from outside the Milky Way galaxy. An increase in extragalactic cosmic rays could be due to changes in the activity of distant galaxies or the presence of new sources.
What do cosmic rays tell us?
Cosmic rays can provide valuable insights into the universe. By studying their properties and origins, scientists can learn more about:
- Particle acceleration: Cosmic rays can help us understand how particles are accelerated to such high energies.
- Astrophysical sources: The detection of cosmic rays can help identify the sources of these particles, such as supernovae or black holes.
- Cosmic rays and climate: Some research suggests that cosmic rays may play a role in climate change, although this is still a topic of debate.
Conclusion
The surge in cosmic rays is an intriguing phenomenon that has sparked interest among scientists. While the cause of the increase is still unknown, researchers are working to understand the properties and origins of these high-energy particles.