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Cosmic Rays

High-energy particles that fly through the universe at close to the speed of light. Cosmic rays are mostly bare protons and electrons. Some probably are blasted into space from exploding stars, while others may come from the disks of material that encircle the supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies.

Featured Images

Lighting seen from the International Space Station

Colorful Lightning June 29, 2019
IceCube detects a neutrino from a blazar

Cold Fire August 9, 2018
A balloon is prepared for launch from Antarctica

Super Tiger December 4, 2017
Cosmic ray shower

Cosmic Showers November 28, 2016
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer aboard the International Space Station

Magnetic Personality June 26, 2013
Victor Hess prepares to ascend in a balloon to study cosmic rays, 1912

Radiation Hunter April 7, 2012
Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 attached to the International Space Station

On Duty May 23, 2011
Space shutle Endeavour launches on its final mission, June 16, 2011

Final Endeavour May 16, 2011

Radio Programs

Lightning Lightning’s “cosmic” connection June 29, 2019

Circling Antarctica  A busy summer in Antarctica December 4, 2018

Cosmic Hazards If it’s not one thing, it’s another May 31, 2018

Tiger Hunting A tiger chases around the south pole December 4, 2017

Arthur Compton From cosmic rays to gamma rays September 10, 2017

Quiet Sun Cosmic bombardment in tree rings April 5, 2017

Cosmic Rays III Probing a meltdown with help from the stars November 30, 2016

More Cosmic Rays Shielded by the Sun November 29, 2016

Cosmic Rays The calling cards of exploding stars November 28, 2016