Understanding the nature and origin of the highest energy cosmic rays

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This project aims to harness the capabilities of the upgraded Pierre Auger Observatory to identify sources of the highest energy cosmic rays, the most energetic particles known in the Universe. Their origin is one of the longest standing mysteries in astrophysics, but answers are now within reach. Expected outcomes of the project include mass estimates for every measured cosmic ray, and sky maps of cosmic ray arrival directions that take into account the cosmic ray charge, minimising the effects of path deflections by cosmic magnetic fields. These maps will reveal new information on the types of astrophysical objects capable of accelerating particles to extreme energies, a major step towards solving this difficult problem.