A Century of Cosmis Rays and Manchester's Role in their Study
| Dates: | 6 October 2021 |
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| Times: | 15:00 - 16:30 |
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| What is it: | Lecture |
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| Organiser: | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, Adults, Current University students |
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| Speaker: | Ralph Spencer |
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Cosmic Rays were discovered by Victor Hess in 1912 by flying high altitude balloons. The invention of the cloud chamber enabled them to be studied in more detail, and much of the early work was done at The University of Manchester under the leadership of Patrick Blackett. Exposures triggered by spaced arrays of Geiger counters led to the discovery of extensive air showers, initially by Pierre Auger (University of Paris) at a high-altitude site and later by Janossy and Lovell in the Manchester laboratory.
After World War II work continued in two main streams at Manchester: work by Wilson, Rochester and Butler lead to the discovery of 'V' particles - strange particles - hyperons which led directly to the discovery ; of quarks, and the investigation by Lovell at Jodrell Bank of radar echoes from the trail of ionisation left by air showers -- leading to radio astronomy. In the 1960's direct radio emission from the shower front was discovered in pioneering experiments by Jelley, Porter and Smith, and further work continued until the 1970's. The use of radio techniques has revived in recent years with the advent of digital technology, and is now a major tool in the investigation of cosmic rays. The SKA will offer unprecedented accuracy in the measurement of primary composition at EeV energies.
Speaker
Ralph Spencer
Role: Professor Emeritus
Organisation: University of Manchester
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
Rutherford Lecture Theatre
Schuster Building
Manchester
