Cosmic Rays


Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from outside the Earth's atmosphere. They are composed of protons, electrons, and atomic nuclei, and can have energies up to millions of times greater than those produced in particle accelerators on Earth. Cosmic rays are created by a variety of sources, including supernovae, black holes, and active galactic nuclei. They are also affected by the Sun's magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field, which can deflect or trap them in the Van Allen radiation belts. Cosmic rays can have a significant impact on space exploration, as they can damage spacecraft electronics and pose a radiation hazard to astronauts. However, they also provide valuable information about the universe, as their composition and energy can reveal details about the sources and processes that created them.


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