Cosmic Rays: High-Energy Particles From Space

Cosmic rays are fast-moving particles, mostly protons, that stream through space.
They were first discovered in 1912 by Victor Hess during balloon experiments.
Supernovae are major sources, accelerating particles to near light speed.
Some cosmic rays carry more energy than particles produced in Earth’s accelerators.
When they hit Earth’s atmosphere, they create showers of secondary particles.
Cosmic rays can damage spacecraft electronics and pose risks to astronauts.
The Sun also produces cosmic rays, known as solar energetic particles.
Studying cosmic rays helps reveal violent events in our galaxy and beyond.
Their exact origins, especially the highest-energy ones, remain partly mysterious.
Observatories like IceCube and Pierre Auger track cosmic rays to unlock their secrets.