High-Energy Particle “Amaterasu”

November 25, 2023

Astronomers have made a puzzling discovery, detecting a rare and incredibly high-energy particle named Amaterasu falling to Earth. This mysterious particle, named after the Japanese sun goddess, is causing confusion as it appears to originate from an apparently empty region of space. The findings, outlined in a paper in the journal Science, raise questions about the source and nature of such energetic particles.

Unprecedented Energy Levels

Amaterasu is one of the highest-energy cosmic rays ever detected, surpassing 240 exa-electron volts (EeV). This energy level far exceeds particles produced in the Large Hadron Collider, rivaling the energy of a golf ball traveling at 95mph. Second only to the Oh-My-God particle detected in 1991, Amaterasu’s origin poses a significant mystery for scientists.

Local Void and Galactic Magnetic Fields

The surprising aspect of Amaterasu’s discovery is that it seems to have emerged from the Local Void, an empty region of space bordering the Milky Way galaxy. Scientists are perplexed as there is no known source in this region capable of producing such high-energy particles. The flight path of these ultra-high-energy particles is expected to be relatively unbent by galactic and extra-galactic magnetic fields, allowing for easier traceability to their origin.

Potential Explanations and Speculations

Scientists are considering various explanations, including the possibility of a super-massive black hole at the heart of another galaxy as a candidate for such extreme energy levels. However, the trajectory of Amaterasu points towards empty space, raising questions about the accuracy of current models or the existence of unidentified sources in the Local Void.

Telescope Array and Ongoing Research

The discovery was made possible by the Telescope Array observatory in Utah, uniquely positioned to detect ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. Currently undergoing expansion, the observatory aims to capture more of these extreme events with the addition of 500 new scintillator detectors across a vast area. The ongoing research hopes to shed light on the origin and nature of such enigmatic high-energy particles.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Cosmic Mystery

Amaterasu’s discovery challenges our current understanding of cosmic phenomena, prompting scientists to explore unconventional explanations. As astronomers continue their research and expand observational capabilities, the hope is to unravel the mysteries behind these ultra-high-energy particles and gain deeper insights into the vast cosmic landscape.

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