COSMIC RAY MUON RATE MEASUREMENTS AT KSU**

Authors

Anthony Niebank*, Department of Physics, Kennesaw State University, Marietta Campus, GA 30060Follow
Ratnappuli L. Kulasiri Dr., Department of Physics, Kennesaw State University, Marietta Campus, GA 30060Follow

Abstract

High energy particles from deep space are constantly raining down on the earth’s upper atmosphere. These particles interact with the molecules in the atmosphere causing a constant shower of high energy sub-atomic particles falling through the atmosphere. Muons are one type of particle that is created in this interaction, and these muons survive long enough to reach the earth’s surface before they decay. A basic analysis of the effects of special relativity experienced from the muon's frame of reference explain how a particle with a very short half-life is able to reach the earth's surface. A dual scintillator paddle muon detector, designed by Berkley labs; is used to confirm the correlation between cosmic ray muons flux with altitude. Based on the data collected, average decay length of the muons was also estimated.

Acknowledgements

KSU Physics and Chemistry departments

Recommended Citation

Niebank*, Anthony and Kulasiri, Ratnappuli L. Dr. (2018) "COSMIC RAY MUON RATE MEASUREMENTS AT KSU**," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 76, No. 1, Article 12.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol76/iss1/12