Atomic Nuclei and the Cosmic Ray effect
A report by:
RAdm. RM Wey
COSR: SFS-SFC
Research is being conducted to determine the origin of cosmic rays. These types of subatomic nuclei carry more energy than any other form of particles in the known universe. It is theorized that such phenomenon are created in the presence of 'super novae' [current measurements have yet to determine a characteristic energy limit (like those associated with known stellar bodies) to the cosmic ray], and carry enormous energy potential. For it is here, in the fiery death throes of a supernovae star, that the energy exists to maintain the known supply of cosmic ray nuclei [those under 1020 electron volts]. For when such a stellar bodies collapses [or a white dwarf disintegrates], remnant matter is driven by a shock wave into the surrounding medium. It is theorized such accelerated material is converted into cosmic rays. Inhabiting a bizarre relativistically short lived universe, when a cosmic ray dies [colliding with a planets atmosphere at greater than the speed of light], in its place are created other subatomic particles including muons, which collide violently to create [among other things] Gamma rays. In the galaxy, its vast expanses are filled with energetic and turbulent plasma in a constant state of violent activity. Here, cosmic rays are theorized to spend prolonged periods gathering kinetic energy. One of the methods being tested as a means to associate high energy cosmic rays with supernovae involves the elemental composition of the cosmic ray nuclei [meaning that, the composition of cosmic rays should resemble the materials found within the local interstellar medium, as well as the collapsed star itself]. However, because such measurements are useless once the cosmic rays strike the atmosphere of a planetary body, a way was needed to be found to take such measurements before such an atmosphere was reached. Using orbital balloons carrying payloads for short periods [no more than two weeks] and huge ground based detectors, information is still slow in coming. However, for cosmic rays with energies above 1020 electron volts, such observations become meaningless. As they are so few in number, accurate measurements are far more difficult. It is theorized that, such high-energy particles would be found in black holes of a billion solar masses or more. It is also theorized that such ultra high-energy particles exist because of the decay of monopoles, and other topological defects that may have been part of the early universe. As the art of detection continues, what wonders await us? For with every answer to a question…a thousand more await.
Diamonds in the rough:
Newly found galaxies in the emptiness of space
A report by:
Comm. DL Wey
DCOSR: SFS-SFC
The Astronomical division of the office of Sci - Research has been conducting observations of an area of space just below the handle of the Big Dipper. The significance of this is that this area of space was believed to be devoid of any stellar or galactic material. Using an image composite of some three hundred (plus) images, what was found there was more than some fifteen hundred distant galaxies [most which are billions of times fainter than light that can be detected by the unaided eye]. Originally, the images were nothing more than blurs, but consulting catalogs of known galactic phenomenon is proving invaluable in the placing of these galactic bodies in a chronological order. One of the unexpected findings was the relative dearth of fully formed galaxies, which appear to have existed in the early universe. It has even been suggested that our own galaxy [the Milky Way] may have formed only some nine billion years ago. Which would mean that it formed after many of its stars [those that now belong to the Milky Way] had already formed. It is the hope of the OSR that such projects will provide us with a better understanding of the universe in its earliest stages. For we have already found evidence to suggest that the universe may not be as old as previously thought.