Cosmic Rays: High-Energy Visitors From Space

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that stream through space at nearly light speed.
Most are protons, but some are heavier nuclei or even electrons.
They originate from exploding stars, black holes, and other violent cosmic events.
When they strike Earth’s atmosphere, they create showers of secondary particles.
Cosmic rays were first discovered in 1912 by Victor Hess during balloon experiments.
They constantly bombard Earth, though our atmosphere and magnetic field protect us.
Some cosmic rays carry more energy than any particle we can produce in accelerators.
Studying them helps scientists understand supernovas and extreme astrophysical processes.
Cosmic rays can damage spacecraft electronics and pose risks to astronauts.
They remain one of the universe’s most energetic and mysterious messengers.