Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Muons are one of the fundamental particles of the universe. They share many properties with electrons, like charge, but are 200 times more massive. Muons are produced naturally when highly energetic particles originating from the sun or from within distant galaxies, interact with the upper atmosphere of the earth. Each one of these highly energetic particles produces a shower of highly energetic and penetrative muons that rain down on the surface of the earth. Using the TeachSpin muon physics apparatus, measurements of the rate at which muons reach the surface of the earth have been made. These measurements show a decrease in the count rate during the night when cosmic ray muons produced by the sun are blocked by the earth. An experiment will be conducted at SUNY Geneseo to measure the muon count rate during the April 8th total eclipse.
Recommended Citation
Cheeseman, Aidan, "242-Measurements of Cosmic Ray Muon Flux During April 8th Eclipse" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 65.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/65
242-Measurements of Cosmic Ray Muon Flux During April 8th Eclipse
Muons are one of the fundamental particles of the universe. They share many properties with electrons, like charge, but are 200 times more massive. Muons are produced naturally when highly energetic particles originating from the sun or from within distant galaxies, interact with the upper atmosphere of the earth. Each one of these highly energetic particles produces a shower of highly energetic and penetrative muons that rain down on the surface of the earth. Using the TeachSpin muon physics apparatus, measurements of the rate at which muons reach the surface of the earth have been made. These measurements show a decrease in the count rate during the night when cosmic ray muons produced by the sun are blocked by the earth. An experiment will be conducted at SUNY Geneseo to measure the muon count rate during the April 8th total eclipse.