A team of scientists from the University of Chicago is planning to track two mysterious cosmic particles from outer space that usually enters the earth’s atmosphere.
EUSO-SPB2 to study two mysterious particles from outer space
The researchers say they will soon send their balloon, called EUSO-SPB2, to the atmosphere 110,000 feet above the earth’s surface. They are looking to analyze two small cosmic particles running into the earth’s atmosphere. The balloon will carry two different telescopes that will independently study each particle from outer space.
Interestingly one of the particles is an ultra-high-energy cosmic ray, and the other is a neutrino. Scientists say that the particles enter the earth’s atmosphere after traveling from the Milky Way galaxy.
Studying the particles could offer fresh information on deep space. Most important, they will give insight into deep space travels and origins since they have been propelled to supercharged high energy from space. The cosmic rays and neutrinos are poorly understood since they hardly interact with matter. Surprisingly the particles behave like ghosts by passing through matter and avoiding detection by earthly devices.
Professor Angela Olinto stated that it is a crucial step in tackling the mystery regarding the origin of the cosmic particles entering the earth’s atmosphere. She said that they could understand how the particles are made since they are particles that can’t be created on earth. Therefore, space travelers are necessary for studying particles.
Researchers to launch the balloon in 2023
Researchers indicate that the EUSO-SPB devices will feature gravitational wave detectors to get information from outer space messengers. In addition, the gadget will eventually travel on wind waves that are roughly 20 miles far above the world’s southern hemisphere.
University of Chicago physicist Rebecca Diesing said these cosmic rays are rare. Diesing is among those building one of the instruments to be used in the balloon.
Around 280 scientists from 77 institutions and 13 countries will join the Chicago team. Interestingly the high-altitude balloon is in the final stages of construction and assembly and will launch in the spring of next year from a launch pad in New Zealand.
