You searched for: “cosmic rays
cosmic ray (s) (noun), cosmic rays (pl)
Any of a group of very high-energy particles reaching the earth from outer space or produced in the earth's atmosphere by the particles from outer space.
Word Entries containing the term: “cosmic rays
primary cosmic rays (pl) (noun)
Primary cosmic rays are submicroscopic, electrically charged particles, largely protons, that travel in space at speeds nearly equal to that of light.

Word Entries at Get Words: “cosmic rays
cosmic rays
1. Nuclear and subatomic particles moving through space at high speeds; radiated from the sun and other stars.
2. Streams of ionizing radiations from space, largely of protons, alpha particles, and other atomic nuclei.
3. Very high energy nuclei moving at velocities close to that of light which are probably produced by supernova explosions.

On striking the earth's atmosphere, they produce cascades of other particles (by collision with nuclei in the atmosphere) called air showers.

This entry is located in the following unit: Astronomy and related astronomical terms (page 7)