Lecturer gives glimpse of cosmic ray research

A surface detector at Pierre Auger Observatory in Malargue, Argentina.

There's more than one way to study particle physics. You can use huge man-made accelerators such as the Tevatron. Or you can rely on nature to supply you with its tiniest constituents for research.

Tapping nature's supply of cosmic rays is one of the oldest forms of particle physics research.

The Pierre Auger Observatory gives it a modern twist with cutting-edge technology, including the world's largest array of detectors and solar panels powering them used in an experiment.

Angela Olinto said the chance to find out about the birth of the universe as well as work in a field with a long history drew her to the study of cosmic rays and the Pierre Auger collaboration.

"The birth of particle physics is closely tied to cosmic rays," she says.

Olinto, a University of Chicago Astronomy and Astrophysics professor, captivated an audience of about 500 people at Fermilab Feb. 27 for a lecture on the Pierre Auger Observatory, the world's largest cosmic-ray experiment, based in Argentina.

Cosmic rays may provide a window into exotic, undiscovered particles or
explain dark matter, the mysterious, invisible force thought to influence
the spinning of stars and hold galaxies together.

Ultimately scientists want to know the origin of cosmic rays. The Pierre
Auger Observatory project, which includes 700 scientists, 70 institutions
and 18 countries, in 2007, announced that active galactic nuclei are the
most likely source of the high-energy cosmic rays. These massive black holes
swallow gas, dust and matter from galaxies and spew out particles and
energy.

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-- Kristine Crane

Taking important scientific research to the general public

From The Johns Hopkins University Gazette, March 9, 2009

Scientists are adept at talking about their research with peers. But ask them to explain what they do (and why it's important) to the cashier at the local grocery store or the mother of four who lives across the street and they admit to feeling, well, less than competent.

"The truth is that some of us are better than others at talking to the general public about our research," said Jonathan A. Bagger, vice provost for graduate and postdoctoral programs and special projects and a professor in the Henry A. Rowland Department of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins' Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. "Being able to communicate is important, and it's something we need to work on, for sure."

That's why Bagger was among a handful of Johns Hopkins scientists and graduate students who recently collaborated with curators at the Maryland Science Center to create two exhibits and a demonstration that elucidate their research to the general public.

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