Astronomy on Tap in the Triangle: Cosmic Rays – The Highest Energy Particles in the Universe

Come check out Astronomy on Tap Triangle, our North Carolina chapter of short and engaging talks about astronomy over beer. You will find us in the taproom of Durty Bull Brewing Company in Durham, NC from 7-8:30 PM on Wednesday, November 5th!

Cosmic rays are energetic particles coming from the sun and the cosmos. Apart from a handful of neutrinos, they are the only sample of mass we have from beyond the solar system and thus provide a unique view of the Universe. Cosmic rays (CRs) are produced in extremely violent events; solar flares on the sun, supernova explosions and gamma-ray bursts throughout the Universe. The discovery of CRs was long and difficult and included discoveries in fundamental physics, paving the way for the merging of physics with astronomy to form astrophysics.

CRs produce electro-magnetic radiation and neutrinos when they interact with magnetic fields or background material. The highest energy X-rays, gamma-rays and neutrinos ever observed, as well as much radio emission, are believed to originate from even higher energy CRs. This makes CRs an essential part of multi-messenger astronomy. Join us as NC State Professor Don Ellison gives a brief history and shows how current CR discoveries remain at the forefront of astrophysics.