Entity: COSMIC-RAY
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles or clusters of particles that originate from outer space and travel through space at nearly the speed of light. They consist of atomic nuclei or electrons and have the ability to penetrate the Earth's atmosphere.
COSMIC-RAY
Etymology
The term 'cosmic ray' originated from the combination of 'cosmic', relating to the universe, and 'ray', denoting a stream of particles.
Definition
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles or clusters of particles that travel through space at nearly the speed of light. They consist of atomic nuclei or electrons and have the ability to penetrate the Earth's atmosphere.
Historical Context
Cosmic rays have been studied since the early 20th century, leading to discoveries such as antimatter and subatomic particles beyond the proton, neutron, and electron.
Cultural Significance
Cosmic rays provide valuable insights into space and the universe, contributing to our understanding of astrophysics and particle physics.
Related Concepts
Other related concepts include galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and the origins of cosmic rays from sources within the Milky Way Galaxy.
See Also
A high-speed particle—either an atomic nucleus or an electron—that travels through space at nearly the speed of light.