Astrophysicists from the University of Utah and the Telescope Array have detected cosmic rays with energies that have surpassed previously known theoretical limits, posing a challenge to the existing understanding of particle physics. These groundbreaking findings have led to the discovery of rare particles such as the Oh-My-God and Amaterasu, and have sparked ongoing research into previously unknown cosmic phenomena.
Following the remarkable Oh-My-God particle, the newly dubbed Amaterasu particle has deepened the enigma of the origin, propagation, and particle physics surrounding ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. These particles have defied conventional cosmic ray theories and have left scientists perplexed about their existence.
The Fly’s Eye experiment at the University of Utah first observed the highest-energy cosmic ray ever in 1991, which greatly surprised scientists due to its energy level, exceeding what was theoretically possible. The recent detection of the Amaterasu particle by the Telescope Array has further puzzled researchers, as its energy level and trajectory have no known source in our galaxy or beyond.
In May 2021, the Telescope Array captured the second-highest extreme-energy cosmic ray, marking a significant milestone in cosmic ray research. This single subatomic particle boasted an energy level that could only be likened to the impact of dropping a brick at waist height. The event stirred much interest and curiosity among astrophysicists, while also leading to a host of unanswered questions about the source and nature of these ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.
The international collaboration of researchers has detailed their observations of the Amaterasu particle in a scientific study, published in Science, where they stressed the unexplained particle’s significance and its implications for unknown particle physics. The study named the particle after the sun goddess in Japanese mythology, highlighting the mystery and awe that surrounds it.
The Telescope Array’s continuous observation and study of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays are vital in unraveling the enigma of their origins and characteristics, driven by the hope of gaining deeper insights into nature’s particle accelerators. The currently expanding Telescope Array, with its advanced technology and scintillator detectors, aims to capture more such rare cosmic events that may offer valuable clues into this captivating cosmic mystery.
