GRAPES-3 Telescope: New Discoveries on Cosmic Rays and Muons

Why in the news ?

Recently, researchers from Mumbai, Kochi, and Japan used the GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV Energies Phase-3) telescope to study how the temperature of Earth's upper atmosphere and the Sun's magnetic field affect muons, subatomic particles arriving from space.

What is the GRAPES-3 Telescope ?

• GRAPES-3 is an advanced astronomical observatory developed to study the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays.

Key Features

• Full name: Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV Energies Phase-3 (GRAPES-3)
• It studies high-energy cosmic rays and gamma rays entering the Earth's atmosphere.
• It also analyzes solar activity and geomagnetic storms through cosmic ray muons.
• It is equipped with an array of plastic scintillator detectors and a large-area muon detector.
• Location: Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
• Operation: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

What are muons ?

• Muons are subatomic particles similar to electrons but with greater mass.
• They are produced when cosmic rays collide with Earth's atmosphere.
• Muons can travel at nearly the speed of light and reach Earth's surface.

What are cosmic rays ?

• Cosmic rays are highly energetic charged particles that travel towards Earth from outer space.

Key Facts

• They were discovered more than 100 years ago.
• They are considered among the most energetic particles in the universe.
• They enter Earth's atmosphere and produce a particle shower.
• This shower includes particles such as electrons, photons, protons, neutrons, and muons.
• Their energy range is approximately 10⁸ eV to 10²⁰ eV.
• They reach Earth continuously from almost all directions.

Significance of the Study

• Helps understand the relationship between Earth's atmosphere and space weather.
• Improves assessment of the impacts of solar activity on Earth.
• Contributes to understanding the nature of cosmic rays and cosmic phenomena.
• Provides a vital research base in the fields of space science and astrophysics.

Conclusion

The GRAPES-3 telescope is an important astronomical research project in India, playing a key role in the study of cosmic rays, muons, and space weather phenomena. This helps to better understand cosmic processes, solar activity, and their impacts on Earth's atmosphere.