iny particles from space are passing through Earth all the time, even though we cannot see, hear, feel, taste, or smell them.
Many of these particles are linked to cosmic rays, extremely energetic particles that can come from exploding stars and other violent events far beyond our solar system. When cosmic rays strike atoms high in Earth's atmosphere, they create showers of secondary particles. Among them are muons, which can travel through the atmosphere and even penetrate underground.
University of Delaware physics professor Spencer Axani has developed a device called CosmicWatch that makes it much easier to detect these otherwise invisible particles. The technology is now being used by everyone from high school students to professional researchers.
CosmicWatch is roughly the size of a box of animal crackers. Built from electronic components costing around $100, the detector flashes and records a count whenever a muon passes through it. The information is stored so users can later download and analyze the data.
The device was initially created as an inexpensive way to introduce students to particle physics. Since then, however, CosmicWatch has found a role in international astrophysics research as well.
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