Gregory Snow, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
High Energy Astrophysics: The Auger Observatory
Located in Mendoza Province, Argentina, the Pierre Auger Observatory is the world’s largest experiment studying ultra-high energy cosmic ray particles from outer space. The experiment uses a combination of 1600 surface detectors (water Cerenkov detectors spread over an area of 3000 square kilometers), and 27 fluorescence telescopes overlooking the surface detector array to measure extensive air showers created by incoming, primary cosmic ray particles. Physics results on the origin of the highest energy cosmic ray particles, their energy spectrum, and their particle identity will be presented. In addition, education materials about the Observatory and cosmic ray physics developed by the Observatory’s Education and Outreach Task will be described.