The Highest Energy Astroparticle Physics

提案编号：0758017机构：芝加哥大学NSF物理学：物理粒子天体物理学主要研究者：Olinto，Angela V.标题：最高能量天体粒子物理学 摘要这是一个建议，继续参与的芝加哥大学（UC）在皮埃尔俄歇天文台（PAO）。该观测站旨在研究有史以来观测到的最高能量粒子的起源和性质，即能量大于10^19 eV的宇宙射线，通过测量它们的能量，它们的成分和到达方向的分布，大量的统计数据和仔细控制系统效应。 在阿根廷马拉格即将完成的南部PAO是第一个将两种最先进的测量超高能宇宙射线（UHECR）引起的簇射技术联合收割机结合起来的混合探测器。该观测站利用表面阵列探测到达地面的簇射粒子，并通过大气中产生的荧光探测簇射的纵向发展。这种组合对于精确的能量测量和可靠的成分研究至关重要。理论，观察和实验在UC整合成一个单一的努力，极大地有利于研究目标和学生的培训，让他们参与科学的各个方面：从PAO的建设和操作，以分析其数据。该项目将巩固加州大学PAO数据分析和解释的国际领导地位。最高能量粒子起源的发现将影响天体物理学和粒子物理学。南部专业会计组织对地球仪参与国的公共教育和外联产生了重大影响：从阿根廷到越南。在与俄歇游客中心，马拉格天文馆和阿德勒天文馆合作，加州大学的努力加强了教育和公共宣传工作的物理学和天体物理学内容的深度，通过促进在最高能量淋浴，他们的检测方法和可能的宇宙起源的UC开发的3D和2D可视化。在与美国自然历史博物馆的合作中，该小组将开发一个科学公报，进一步为公众提供这个迷人的奥秘。

PROPOSAL NUMBER: 0758017INSTITUTION: University of ChicagoNSF PROGRAM: PHY - PARTICLE ASTROPHYSICSPRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Olinto, Angela V.TITLE: The Highest Energy Astroparticle Physics ABSTRACTThis is a proposal to continue the participation of the University of Chicago (UC) in the Pierre Auger Observatory (PAO). The observatory is designed to study the origin and nature of the highest energy particles ever observed, namely cosmic rays with energies greater than 10^19 eV, by measuring their energy, their composition, and the distribution of arrival directions with large statistics and careful control of systematic effects. The Southern PAO, nearing completion in Malargue, Argentina, is the first hybrid detector to combine the two best-developed techniques of measuring showers caused by ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). The observatory detects shower particles that reach the surface with a surface array and the longitudinal development of the shower through the fluorescence produced in the atmosphere. This combination is essential for accurate energy measurements and reliable composition studies. The integration of theory, observations, and experiments at UC into a single effort has greatly benefited both the research goals and the training of students by involving them in all aspects of science: from the construction and operation of the PAO to the analysis of its data. This project will solidify the international leadership in the analysis and interpretation of the PAO data at UC.The discovery of the origin of the highest energy particles will impact both astrophysics and particle physics. The Southern PAO has had a major impact on public education and outreach throughout the participating countries across the globe: from Argentina to Vietnam. In collaboration with the Auger Visitors Center, the Malargue Planetarium, and the Adler Planetarium, the UC effort strengthens the depth of physics and astrophysics content of the education and public outreach efforts by promoting the 3D and 2D visualizations developed at UC of the highest energy showers, their detection methods, and possible cosmic origins. In collaboration with the American Natural History Museum, the group will develop a Science Bulletin that will further provide the public access to this fascinating mystery.