I Are Cosmic Rays Actually Neutrinos?

AI Thread Summary
Cosmic rays are primarily composed of protons, but recent discussions highlight the role of neutrinos in cosmic ray detection. An article from the NY Times suggests that cosmic rays may include neutrinos, referencing IceCube's 2017 identification of a neutrino from a supermassive black hole. Critics note that the NY Times may not adhere to strict scientific definitions, leading to potential confusion about the terminology. Protons are affected by the atmosphere, while neutrinos can penetrate it, making underwater detection of cosmic rays feasible. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexity of cosmic ray composition and the importance of precise language in scientific reporting.
swampwiz
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I had thought that cosmic rays were protons, but this NY Times article seems to say that cosmic rays are neutrinos:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/30/science/neutrinos-lake-baikal.html

Using a grid of light detectors similar to the Baikal telescope, IceCube identified a neutrino in 2017 that scientists said almost certainly came from a supermassive black hole. It was the first time that scientists had pinpointed a source of the rain of high-energy particles from space known as cosmic rays ...
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
The NY Times is unlikely to use strict scientific definitions. And, in any case, "cosmic rays" may be quite loose terminology.
 
Protons are stopped by atmosphere (and then ground or water). Neutrinos are not. So watching for cosmic rays deep under water shows the neutrinos.
 
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swampwiz said:
I had thought that cosmic rays were protons

Mostly protons.
 
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