Cosmic Rays
Atomic nuclei (mostly protons) and electrons that are observed to strike the
Earth's atmosphere with exceedingly high energies.
The
energy spectrum for cosmic rays
Cosmic rays are energetic
charged subatomic
particles,
originating in outer space. They may produce
secondary particles that penetrate the Earth's atmosphere and surface. The term ray is historical as cosmic rays were thought to be electromagnetic
radiation.
Most primary cosmic rays (those that enter the atmosphere from deep space) are
composed of familiar stable subatomic particles that normally occur on Earth,
such as protons, atomic nuclei, or electrons. However, a very small fraction
are stable particles of antimatter, such as positrons or antiprotons, and the
precise nature of this remaining fraction is an area of active research.
Source: wikipedia, NASA
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