First photo of ultraheavy primary cosmic ray
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First photo of ultraheavy primary cosmic ray
First picture of an ultraheavy cosmic ray primary, compared with a cosmic ray iron nucleus. The tracks of both nuclei are recorded in photographic emulsion exposed during balloon flights high in the atmosphere over Texas in 1966. Iron has atomic number 26: it has 26 protons. The ultraheavy nucleus had about 90 protons - the number of thorium. The more protons in a nucleus, the greater its electric charge & its ability to ionise; the more it ionises, the denser the track it produces in emulsion. The wispy side-shoots are " delta rays" - electrons knocked out of atoms by the passage of the nuclei
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6284257
© PROFESSOR PETER FOWLER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cosmic Ray Emulsion Photo High Energy Image Iron Nucleus Particle Physics Rays
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a groundbreaking moment in particle physics - the first-ever image of an ultraheavy primary cosmic ray. The photograph showcases a remarkable comparison between the cosmic ray iron nucleus and this enigmatic ultraheavy nucleus. Taken during balloon flights high above the Texan atmosphere in 1966, both nuclei's tracks are meticulously recorded on photographic emulsion. Iron, with its atomic number 26 and 26 protons, serves as our reference point for understanding the sheer magnitude of this newly discovered ultraheavy nucleus. With approximately 90 protons - equivalent to thorium's atomic number - this mysterious entity possesses an astonishing electric charge and ionizing ability far beyond anything previously observed. The density of each track within the emulsion reveals fascinating insights into their behavior. As expected, the greater number of protons results in more intense ionization by the ultraheavy nucleus, leaving behind a dense track compared to that of iron. Delicately branching out from these tracks are wispy side-shoots known as "delta rays" which represent electrons dislodged from atoms due to the passage of these powerful nuclei. This extraordinary image not only sheds light on fundamental aspects of particle physics but also highlights humanity's relentless pursuit to unravel nature's deepest mysteries. Courtesy of Science Photo Library, it stands as a testament to scientific progress and serves as an inspiration for future discoveries yet to come.
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