Cosmic Rays

Overview

In this experiment you will measure Cosmic Rays. The origin of the primary particle causing cosmic rays is still an open question in astrophysics. This particle interacts with nuclei of atoms in the upper atmosphere causing a shower of secondary particles including muons. Muons have almost exactly the same properties as electrons except they are heavier. Muons can decay due to the mass difference between muons and electrons. Muons and electrons interact with matter only electromagnetically or by the weak nuclear force. Cosmic ray muons arise from the decay of pions which are produced by high energy collisions of incoming cosmic rays with nuclei in the atmosphere. This is the main experiment in which you will learn about particle detectors, phototubes, and fast logic electronics.