Because of shielding of the atmosphere and Earth's magnetic field, cosmic rays have very little effect upon us, the average person receiving less than half a millisievert, although some sources report up to 2.5 mSv annually. The recommended maximum is about 1000; which is more likely to be encountered only by an astronaut on an extended mission.
Negative effects on human tissue include DNA damage, cancer-like effects, or a kind of cataract, brain and neurological effects, and possibly acceleration of Alzheimer's.
Some astronauts in the Apollo program reported seeing light flashes, which may have been effects related to cosmic ray collision with the retina, optic nerve, or visual cortex in the brain, but no permanent damage was expected to result.
Cosmic rays are also known to adversely affect electronics causing (usually transient) malfunctions, and some manufactures add shielding as a hardening against cosmic rays, particularly for processors used in space-based applications.
The Earth's magnetic field acts as a shield, deflecting charged particles (cosmic rays) away from the surface. This helps reduce the intensity of cosmic rays reaching the Earth's surface. However, cosmic rays can still penetrate the atmosphere at higher latitudes where the magnetic field is weaker.
The sun's rays create a protective barrier around Earth called the magnetosphere. This magnetosphere deflects and traps cosmic radiation, preventing it from reaching the surface of the planet and harming living organisms.
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.
Cosmic rays can enter Earth through Mars because Mars has a thinner atmosphere than Earth, allowing cosmic rays to penetrate more easily. The lack of a strong magnetic field on Mars also means there is less protection against cosmic rays compared to Earth. This makes Mars a potential gateway for cosmic rays to reach Earth.
Cosmic rays are harmful to living organisms because they are high-energy particles that can damage cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and other health problems. They can penetrate through the atmosphere and into our bodies, causing ionization and mutations in cells. Prolonged exposure to cosmic rays can have detrimental effects on living organisms.
The Earth's magnetic field acts as a shield, deflecting charged particles (cosmic rays) away from the surface. This helps reduce the intensity of cosmic rays reaching the Earth's surface. However, cosmic rays can still penetrate the atmosphere at higher latitudes where the magnetic field is weaker.
The sun's rays create a protective barrier around Earth called the magnetosphere. This magnetosphere deflects and traps cosmic radiation, preventing it from reaching the surface of the planet and harming living organisms.
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.
Cosmic rays were discovered by Victor Hess in 1912.
the answer is gamma rays
Any energetic event can produce cosmic rays, ranging from supernovae events to quasar jets.
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.
Cosmic rays can enter Earth through Mars because Mars has a thinner atmosphere than Earth, allowing cosmic rays to penetrate more easily. The lack of a strong magnetic field on Mars also means there is less protection against cosmic rays compared to Earth. This makes Mars a potential gateway for cosmic rays to reach Earth.
The GZK cutoff is significant in the study of cosmic rays because it sets a limit on the energy levels of cosmic rays that can travel long distances in space without losing energy. This cutoff helps scientists understand the origins and properties of cosmic rays and provides insights into the nature of the universe.
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.
V. S. Murzin has written: 'Cosmic rays and their interactions' -- subject(s): Cosmic rays
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