International Cosmic Day
The first International Cosmic Day will be held on 26 September this year. During this event, students and teachers worldwide will come together in research institutions, universities and classrooms to learn about cosmic particle research.
The event will celebrate the centenary of Victor Franz Hess’ discovery of cosmic rays – particles which originate in outer space and spread through the whole universe, often at extremely high energies. Through a series of seven high-altitude balloon rides, Hess measured the ionisation of the atmosphere: the results from which revealed the Earth’s bombardment by such particles.
One hundred years on, and the research into these phenomena continues: with scientists studying the origin of these particles, the source of their high energies and what we may learn from their existence.
On the day, students will tackle such questions as: what are cosmic particles? …where do they come from? …and how can they be measured? Participants will be encouraged to undertake their own cosmic particle experiments: analyzing and evaluating the data they record and presenting their findings, all in the style of real-life research collaboration.
This event is being organized by DESY, Network Particle World, and Fermilab’s QuarkNet project. For more information, please visit the International Cosmic Day website.
