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The discovery of cosmic rays, like many discoveries, unfolded over a period of time as understanding increased as to their nature. Some may say that Henri Becquerel discovered them along with other forms of ionizing radiation in 1896. In 1909 a device developed by Theodor Wulf showed that a certain type of radiation was higher with an increase in altitude, which was likely explained by the shielding effect of the atmosphere against cosmic rays. A further observation by Domonico Pacini showed in 1911 that a decrease in measured radiation underwater would have to be explained by sources outside Earth's radioactivity. In 1912, Victor Hess showed that the source of Wulf's radiation could not be the Sun.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoAn awareness of the existence of cosmic rays is more a matter of discovery than invention. German physicist Theodore Wulf should get credit for first noticing some kind of ionizing effect in 1909 which occurred at a higher rate as altitude increased, although the nature of the source was not yet understood. Later scientists built on this discovery, including Victor Hess who received recognition for its discovery after he showed in 1912 that the Sun could not be its source, and thus some type of radiation must be coming from space. Millikan coined the term 'cosmic rays' in the 1920s believing the effect was caused by electromagnetic radiation; in 1927 Clay demonstrated the radiation was deflected by a magnetic field and thus had to be charged particles and not electromagnetic radiation such as the gamma rays Millikan had proposed.
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Why are cosmic rays harmful to living organisms?
Because the cosmic rays consist of charged particles like gamma rays and x-rays
Where can you find cosmic rays?
Through Milky way galaxy , most cosmic rays come from the Galaxy's disk.
Are cosmic rays part of the electromagnetic spectrum?
no they are not. NASA suggests that the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation does not include cosmic rays.
Are gamma rays stronger than cosmic ray?
Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and they are the highest frequency form of that type of energy. They can be said to vibrate fastest. But cosmic rays are mostly protons, which are a form of particulate radiation. Comparing gamma rays to cosmic rays as regards frequency is not something we do.
Where are mesons found?
Cosmic rays ,,
Why are cosmic rays harmful to living organisms?
Because the cosmic rays consist of charged particles like gamma rays and x-rays
What type of wave vibrates the faster cosmic rays or gamma rays?
There's a considerable (overlapping) range of frequencies for both gamma rays and cosmic rays, but the upper reach for gamma rays is considered to be higher than that for cosmic rays, all the way to 10^30Hz.
What are deadly cosmic rays?
They are rays from the sun. They are way more harmful than UV rays. They go in zigzag line. Anything struck by the deadly cosmic rays might get killed. The magnetic field is a force that protects the planet from deadly cosmic rays.
Name the person who discovered the cosmic rays?
Cosmic rays were discovered by Victor Hess in 1912.
Where can you find cosmic rays?
Through Milky way galaxy , most cosmic rays come from the Galaxy's disk.
Are cosmic rays part of the electromagnetic spectrum?
no they are not. NASA suggests that the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation does not include cosmic rays.
Are gamma rays stronger than cosmic ray?
Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and they are the highest frequency form of that type of energy. They can be said to vibrate fastest. But cosmic rays are mostly protons, which are a form of particulate radiation. Comparing gamma rays to cosmic rays as regards frequency is not something we do.
Which waves has the highest frequency?
the answer is gamma rays
What are the sources of cosmic rays?
Any energetic event can produce cosmic rays, ranging from supernovae events to quasar jets.
Where are mesons found?
Cosmic rays ,,
What are secondary cosmic rays?
Secondary cosmic rays are the product of collisions with primary cosmic rays. Primary ones are the kind that arrive from space and hit earth - typically air molecules in the upper atmosphere, which creates (and transfers its energy to) other particles, often creating a shower ('air shower') of secondary particles, also of high energy. Even though these products are results of collisions from within the Earth's atmosphere, they are still referred to as cosmic rays, although given the name "Secondary" cosmic rays. Note that secondary cosmic rays' composition or relative composition can differ from the cosmic rays arriving from space; particularly as new particles like muons and pions can be generated.
What has the author V S Murzin written?
V. S. Murzin has written: 'Cosmic rays and their interactions' -- subject(s): Cosmic rays
