cosmic rays

British  

plural noun

1. Also called: cosmic radiation.  radiation consisting of particles, esp protons, of very high energy that reach the earth from outer space

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cosmic rays Cultural  

1. Elementary particles, mainly protons, that are produced by the sun and other stars and then strike the upper atmosphere of the Earth. Some of these particles are absorbed, some help form the Van Allen belt, and some reach the Earth's surface, where they form a part of the background radiation that constantly surrounds us.

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Example Sentences

New work from astrophysicists at Michigan State University may help resolve a scientific question that has lingered for more than a century: where do galactic cosmic rays come from?

From Science Daily

Other theories propose that cosmic rays start the process because the charged particles they produce accelerate within existing electric fields.

From Science Daily

LHAASO's hybrid detector array enables both the detection of high-energy gamma rays from cosmic accelerators and precise measurements of the cosmic rays that reach near-Earth space.

From Science Daily

But when the Cold War propelled the U.S. to seek technological dominance on Earth and beyond, it was JPL that developed the U.S.’ first successful satellite, Explorer 1, designed to study cosmic rays.

From Los Angeles Times

Since extreme temperatures and cosmic rays break down rubber or turn it to a brittle glass, metal alloys and high-performance plastic are chief contenders for airless space tyres.

From BBC