Cosmic Rays Experiments

Cosmic rays, first discovered by Victor Hess1 in 1912, are high-energy particles continuously reaching the Earth from space. They consist of primary cosmic rays, mainly composed of protons and atomic nuclei, which originate from astrophysical sources, and secondary cosmic rays, produced through interactions between primary particles and the Earth’s atmosphere.

These atmospheric interactions generate a complex cascade of secondary particles, including pions, kaons, muons, neutrinos, electrons, and photons. Among these particles, muons represent one of the most accessible components for educational experiments, allowing students to investigate fundamental concepts of particle physics and cosmic radiation.

The experiments presented in this section introduce students to the detection and characterization of cosmic rays using the Educational Beta Kit and the Cosmic Hunter system. Through these activities, students can explore cosmic radiation measurements, particle detection techniques, and the properties of the radiation continuously present in our environment.

For both experimental setups, a dedicated mechanical structure is also available to build a cosmic telescope, enabling measurements of the azimuthal variation of the cosmic-ray flux.

(1) Nobel Prize in Physics in 1936.

Cosmic Rays Experiments performed via the Cosmic Hunter Kit. In the symbol (*) is present, extra tools are needed to perform the experiment.

starstar star
Cosmic Rays SP5620CH SP5600AN SP5600D
Muons Spectrum – Coming soon
SG6210D – Statistics
SG6211A – Muons Detection (related experiment: SG6211D)
SG6212A – Muons Vertical Flux on Horizontal Detector (related experiment: SG6212D)
SG6213A – Random Coincidence (related experiment: SG6213D)
SG6214D* – Detection Efficiency
SG6215D – Cosmic Flux as a function of the altitude
SG6216D – Zenith Dependence of Muons Flux
SG6217D* – Cosmic Shower Detection
SG6218D – Environmental and Cosmic Radiation
SG6219F – Absorption Measurements
SG6220D – Solar Activity Monitoring

Note: The star indicates the recommended Kits while the yellow color highlights the Kits especially dedicated to the experiences of this Section.
If you are also interested in other experiences, the PREMIUM Kit is recommended. This symbol “K12” indicates that the Kit is also suitable for educational use with young students.

Statistics

CAEN Educational
Advanced Statistics

Muons Detection

CAEN Educational
Particle Physics

Muons Detection

CAEN Educational
Particle Physics

Muons Vertical Flux on Horizontal Detector

CAEN Educational
Particle Physics

Random Coincidence

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Detection Efficiency

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Cosmic Flux as a function of the altitude

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Zenith Dependence of Muons Flux

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Cosmic Shower Detection

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Environmental and Cosmic Radiation

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Absorption Measurements

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Solar Activity Monitoring

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Muons Vertical Flux on Horizontal Detector

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays

Muons Vertical Flux on Horizontal Detector

CAEN Educational
Cosmic Rays