- published: 20 Nov 2012
- views: 785264
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.
About 89% of cosmic rays are simple protons or hydrogen nuclei, 10% are helium nuclei or alpha particles, and 1% are the nuclei of heavier elements. These nuclei constitute 99% of the cosmic rays. Solitary electrons (much like beta particles, although their ultimate source is unknown) constitute much of the remaining 1%.
St. Christopher, help them please.
I saw them floating on the little breeze.
Their hearts were tiny and their eyes were black
when I heard the whole world crack.
Born in the time of the awful power,
out of the ground like little flowers,
I saw them listen to the radio,
and I can still hear it go
when the sun comes up under the ground
love is shining all around
down by the river the Dragons play
digging for the light of day.
I don't care if it takes too long,
I really don't care about this song,
I'll be outside with the other freaks
where the cosmic rays are weak.
I can't see you on this awful day,
I can't see you when anyway,
radio waves are in the way,
it's the dawn of the cosmic day
when the sun comes up in your mind
say good bye to all of your kind
down by the river the dragons die