Scientists in Utah have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astrophysics. They have identified a rare cosmic ray that is believed to have originated from beyond the Milky Way. The particle has been named the “Amaterasu particle” after the Japanese sun goddess.
The source of this cosmic ray remains a mystery, according to a spokesperson from the Telescope Array observatory. The ultra-high-energy particle is invisible to the naked eye and is believed to come from other galaxies and extragalactic sources.
What makes the Amaterasu particle particularly fascinating is its energy level, which rivals that of the famous Oh-My-God particle observed in 1991. This ultra-high-energy cosmic ray provides a valuable opportunity for scientists to study and understand the origins of these mysterious cosmic particles.
The Telescope Array observatory, located in Utah’s West Desert, identified the Amaterasu particle among more than 30 other ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. The observatory, equipped with 507 surface detectors, has been instrumental in capturing and analyzing these rare cosmic phenomena.
On May 27, 2021, the Amaterasu particle entered the Earth’s atmosphere, releasing an astonishing amount of energy equivalent to about 244 exa-electron volts. These high-energy particles, unlike low-energy cosmic rays that can be traced back to the sun, seem to originate from empty spaces.
Scientists believe that the Amaterasu particle may have come from the Local Void, an empty region of space located at the border of the Milky Way galaxy. This finding adds to our understanding of the vastness and complexity of the universe.
The discovery of the Amaterasu particle has sparked excitement among researchers, leading to plans for the expansion of the Telescope Array observatory. The goal is to capture more cosmic ray-induced particle showers and unlock further insights into the mysteries of the cosmos.
As scientists continue to investigate the origins and properties of these cosmic rays, they hope to uncover more about the fundamental nature of our universe. The Amaterasu particle, with its exceptional energy level and enigmatic source, provides a compelling avenue for further exploration.
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