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Concept information

high-energy astrophysics > particle astrophysics > cosmic ray > secondary cosmic ray
... > theoretical physics aspects > field theory > classical field theory > electromagnetism > electromagnetic radiation > ionizing radiation > cosmic ray > secondary cosmic ray

Preferred term

secondary cosmic ray  

Definition

  • A burst of secondary charged and neutral particles arising when primary cosmic rays collide with the atmospheric oxygen or nitrogen nuclei in the upper atmosphere. The collision produces mostly pions (π), along with some kaons (K), antiprotons, and antineutrons. Neutral pions very quickly decay, usually into two gamma rays. Charged pions also decay but after a longer time. Therefore, some of the pions may collide with yet another nucleus of the air before decaying, which would be into amuon and a neutrino. The fragments of the incoming nucleus also interact again, also producing new particles. (An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics, by M. Heydari-Malayeri, https://dictionary.obspm.fr/index.php?showAll=1&formSearchTextfield=secondary+cosmic+rays)

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • secondary cosmic radiation

In other languages

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-NVG16Z33-7

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