Primary and Secondary CR

Earth’s and Sun’s magnetic field deflect primary cosmic rays (esp low energies).

Only secondary particles reach the ground - and they can spread over a wide area (approx 1 sq km). ‘Extensive air showers’ can contain up to particles. Which is good because high-E particles are rare!

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Notes:

Primary cosmic rays are only detected above the Earth’s atmosphere, usng balloons and satellites. This is because the Earth’s and Sun’s magnetic fields deflect these CRs, especially at low energies.

Primary and Secondary CR

Earth’s and Sun’s magnetic field deflect primary cosmic rays (esp low energies).

Only secondary particles reach the ground - and they can spread over a wide area (approx 1 sq km). ‘Extensive air showers’ can contain up to particles. Which is good because high-E particles are rare!