Entity: COSMIC-RAYS
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles or clusters of particles that move through space at nearly the speed of light, originating from outside of the Solar System. They are atom fragments that rain down on Earth from outside the solar system and have played a significant role in scientific discoveries related to space and the universe.
COSMIC-RAYS
Etymology
The term 'cosmic rays' originated from the combination of 'cosmic' referring to the universe and 'rays' indicating the particle nature of these high-energy entities.
Definition
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles or clusters of particles, primarily represented by protons or atomic nuclei, that move through space at nearly the speed of light.
Historical Context
In the 20th century, cosmic rays played a crucial role in scientific discoveries, such as antimatter and the muon, providing evidence for subatomic particles beyond the proton, neutron, and electron.
Cultural Significance
Cosmic rays have contributed to our understanding of space and the universe, shedding light on phenomena beyond our immediate surroundings.
Related Concepts
Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), which originate from sources within the Milky Way Galaxy, are a specific type of cosmic rays.
See Also
A stream of atomic nuclei of extremely penetrating character that enter the earth's atmosphere from outer space at speeds approaching that of light.