Namibian observatory detects highest-energy cosmic electrons, leading to better understanding of cosmic rays

After more than a decade of research, the HESS Observatory in Namibia has reportedly recorded the most energetic cosmic ray electrons ever detected. These high-energy particles, including electrons and positrons, are believed to be produced by intense cosmic events such as supernova explosions, neutron stars and the like. black holeThe discovery suggests that the source of these particles is likely within a few hundred light-years Solar system,

High-Energy Electron Probe Challenges

According to Space.com, the study reportThis highlights how these findings shed light on extreme cosmic processes. Dr Mathieu de Nourois, deputy director of the HESS collaboration and a researcher at the French National Center for Scientific Research, said that understanding these cosmic rays allows us to detect large particle accelerators in the universe that are often associated with the most violent events. .

Research indicates that detecting these particles is particularly challenging due to their rarity and the difficulty in distinguishing them from other cosmic rays. The HESS observatory reports that it used a huge Telescope The array is designed to capture Cherenkov radiation, a phenomenon that occurs when high-energy particles hit the Earth’s atmosphere. This innovative approach enabled the detection of electrons with energy levels exceeding several teraelectronvolts, which exceeds the capabilities of Earth-based particle accelerators.

near cosmic accelerator

According to the study, the team identified a sharp energy spectrum break at 1 TeV, indicating rapid energy loss by electrons within the galaxy. Dr. Mathieu de Nourois told Space.com that this points to nearby sources, possibly including supernova remnants or pulsars. Analysis shows that these events act as powerful particle accelerators, producing the highest-energy electrons ever observed.

The findings provide important data for understanding cosmic rays and will serve as a benchmark for future studies, noted researchers involved in the project. The discovery advances ongoing efforts to explore the universe’s most energetic processes and their implications.