What's Happening?
Researchers are delving into the origins of the Amaterasu particle, one of the most energetic cosmic rays ever detected on Earth. Named after the Japanese sun goddess, this particle was first observed in 2021 and carries energy levels 40 million times
greater than those produced by the Large Hadron Collider. The Amaterasu particle is the second most energetic cosmic ray detected, following the 'Oh-My-God' particle from 1991. Scientists are particularly intrigued because it appears to have originated from the 'Local Void,' a region of space lacking the typical environments that generate such high-energy particles. Researchers Francesca Capel and Nadine Bourriche from the Max Planck Institute for Physics suggest that the particle may have come from a nearby star-forming galaxy, such as M82, rather than the Local Void. Their findings are based on a data-driven approach using Approximate Bayesian Computation to trace the particle's path through space.
Why It's Important?
Understanding the origins of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays like the Amaterasu particle is crucial for astrophysics. These particles provide insights into the extreme conditions and processes that can accelerate matter to such high energies. Identifying their sources helps scientists study the behavior of matter under extreme conditions, which can inform our understanding of the universe's most violent and energetic events, such as supernovae and black holes. The research could also refine models of cosmic ray production and propagation, enhancing our knowledge of cosmic phenomena and potentially leading to new discoveries about the universe's structure and evolution.
