Daily Current Affairs : 7-February-2024

Cosmic rays are the most energetic particles in the universe. They constantly bombard Earth’s atmosphere, developing showers of secondary debris. Studying these cosmic rays allows scientists to recognize various high-power processes in space. The GRAPES-3 experiment, conducted by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Ooty, India, has made a huge discovery associated with cosmic rays that might reshape our understanding of their origins and acceleration.

What is GRAPES-3?

The GRAPES-3 experiment, which stands for Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3, is a collaborative research project aimed at studying cosmic rays. It is based in Ooty, a city known for its cool weather and clear skies, making it an excellent location for cosmic ray observation. The experiment uses advanced technology to collect and analyze data from cosmic rays.

Key Features of the Experiment:
  • Air Shower Detectors: These devices capture the secondary particles generated when cosmic rays collide with the atmosphere.
  • Muon Detector: A large area detector specifically designed to study muons, which are particles produced in cosmic ray showers.
  • Energy Range: The experiment investigates cosmic rays in the energy range from a few tera-electron-volts (TeV) to over 10 peta-electron-volts (PeV).

Significant Findings

Recently, the GRAPES-3 experiment identified a new feature in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum around 166 TeV. This finding challenges the traditional models used to describe cosmic rays, which often assume a simple power-law distribution.

Implications of the Discovery:
  • Rethinking Models: This new data suggests that existing models of cosmic-ray origins and acceleration may need revision.
  • Expanding Knowledge: It enhances our understanding of the astrophysical processes that accelerate cosmic rays, shedding light on phenomena such as supernova explosions and active galactic nuclei.

Important Points:

Cosmic Rays: Most energetic particles in the universe that create showers of secondary debris when they collide with Earth’s atmosphere.

GRAPES-3 Experiment:

  • Stands for Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3.
  • Conducted by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Ooty, India.
  • Aimed at studying cosmic rays.

Key Features of the Experiment:

  • Air Shower Detectors: Capture secondary particles from cosmic ray collisions.
  • Muon Detector: Designed to study muons produced in cosmic ray showers.
  • Energy Range: Investigates cosmic rays from a few tera-electron-volts (TeV) to over 10 peta-electron-volts (PeV).

Significant Findings:

  • Identified a new feature in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum around 166 TeV.
  • Challenges traditional models that use a simple power-law distribution for cosmic rays.

Implications of the Discovery:

  • Rethinking Models: Existing models of cosmic-ray origins and acceleration may need revision.
  • Expanding Knowledge: Enhances understanding of astrophysical processes like supernova explosions and active galactic nuclei.

Why In News

The GRAPES-3 experiment, conducted by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Ooty, India, has identified a new feature in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum around 166 tera-electron-volts (TeV), significantly expanding our understanding of cosmic-ray origins and acceleration mechanisms. This groundbreaking discovery could lead to new theories about the astrophysical processes responsible for generating these high-energy particles.

MCQs about GRAPES-3 Experiment and Its Findings

  1. What is the primary aim of the GRAPES-3 experiment?
    A. To study black holes
    B. To investigate cosmic rays
    C. To explore dark matter
    D. To analyze galaxy formations
    Correct Answer: B. To investigate cosmic rays
    Explanation: The GRAPES-3 experiment is specifically designed to study cosmic rays and their properties.
  2. What significant finding did the GRAPES-3 experiment identify?
    A. A new type of black hole
    B. A new feature in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum around 166 TeV
    C. Evidence of dark energy
    D. A different model for galaxy formation
    Correct Answer: B. A new feature in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum around 166 TeV
    Explanation: The experiment identified a new feature in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum at this energy level, challenging existing models of cosmic rays.
  3. Which of the following devices is NOT part of the GRAPES-3 experiment?
    A. Air Shower Detectors
    B. Muon Detector
    C. Gamma Ray Telescope
    D. Particle Analyzers
    Correct Answer: C. Gamma Ray Telescope
    Explanation: The GRAPES-3 experiment utilizes air shower detectors and muon detectors, but does not include a gamma ray telescope as part of its setup.
  4. What implication does the discovery by the GRAPES-3 experiment have for existing models of cosmic rays?
    A. It confirms them without change
    B. It suggests they may need revision
    C. It shows they are entirely incorrect
    D. It indicates they are universally accepted
    Correct Answer: B. It suggests they may need revision
    Explanation: The discovery of a new feature in the cosmic-ray spectrum indicates that the current models describing cosmic-ray origins and acceleration may require updates.

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