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Secrets from the Sun: What is the relationship between cosmic rays and the Sun?
Cosmic rays, high-energy particles that travel through space at nearly the speed of light, have attracted great interest from scientists. They come from many sources, including our Sun, the familiar star, as well as from our Milky Way and galaxies beyond. In this article, we'll explore the origins, composition, energy, and complex relationship of cosmic rays to the Sun.
What are cosmic rays?
Cosmic rays are composed mainly of protons or atomic nuclei. About 99% of the primary cosmic rays are bare atomic nuclei, mostly hydrogen and helium, with only a few nuclei of heavier elements present. When these particles hit the Earth's atmosphere, they produce a large number of secondary particles and affect the Earth's environment.
The energy range of cosmic rays is very wide, and the energies of some ultra-high-energy cosmic rays reach nearly 3×1020 electron volts!
Sources of cosmic rays
The sources of cosmic rays can be divided into two categories: cosmic rays within the Milky Way and cosmic rays from outside the Milky Way. In recent years, astronomers have discovered that supernova explosions are one of the important sources of cosmic rays. In addition, astronomical phenomena such as active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursts may also produce cosmic rays.
The Influence of the Sun
The sun is a major source of near-Earth cosmic rays. Especially during periods of intense solar activity, it releases large amounts of protons and electrons, which we call solar energetic particles (SEPs). However, these particles do not come from a single source; particles from other celestial bodies also affect the sun's cosmic ray environment.
During a solar peak, the number of high-energy particles from the sun increases significantly, affecting the Earth's atmosphere and possibly even affecting communication systems.
How to explore cosmic rays?
With the advancement of technology, scientists use various methods to study cosmic rays. Since the 1940s, scientists have successfully measured the energy and direction of cosmic rays using techniques such as bubble chambers, laser shocks, and cosmic ray detectors. These instruments, such as Geiger counters and other particle detectors, are installed in various corners of the earth to collect data.
Future research directions of cosmic rays
Future research will go further to uncover the mysteries of cosmic rays, including their sources and their effects on Earth and the solar system. Current research is being conducted on cosmic rays with higher energies, which will not only help us understand the evolution of the universe, but may also unravel the mystery of dark matter.
SummaryThe study of cosmic rays is not only an exploration of high-energy physics, but is also closely related to the sun and its activities. Through in-depth research on these particles, we can not only understand how solar activity affects the Earth, but also gain insight into major events deep in the universe. What other secrets are hidden in the universe waiting for us to discover?
