| dc.description.abstract | Studying cosmic rays may lead to the discovery of energies that could dwarf the energies now obtained from nuclear reactions. The physics of highenergy particles is still, to a great extent, cosmic ray physics. The nuclear forces that are being unleashed in atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, particle accelerators, and nuclear reactors have been developed as a result of knowledge obtained from man's quest of knowledge in the "cosmic ray chase". This report involves a brief study of the history, nature, and the possible future of cosmic rays. Materials used are chiefly science journals and the film "The Strange Case of the Cosmic Rays" which was made available by the Eell Telephone Company. The "cosmic ray chase" is a continuing one. Much effort was expended during the recent International Geophysical Year to learn more of the nature of cosmic rays. A study of cosmic rays could lead to many things that are of paramount interest. These could include new sources of energy, the origin of cosmic rays, more of the nature of the universe, and how the human race is affected by the mutations resulting from cosmic radiation. It is felt by many outstanding scientists that aging may be partially due to cosmic rays. We are all affected, whether we know it or not, by cosmic rays. | |
