Are some cosmic rays iron nuclei?

In summary, cosmic rays, which include particles like iron nuclei, can damage brain tissue and are composed of heavier nuclei in addition to protons. The paper mentioned in the conversation shows that to fit the data, cosmic rays must include many heavier nuclei, up to and including iron. However, these high energy events are rare. The topic of colonizing Titan is discussed as a potential solution for when the Sun becomes too hot for life on Earth, which is estimated to happen in about 600 million years. Some argue that we shouldn't worry about this issue as it won't happen for another billion years.
  • #1
swampwiz
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I had thought that cosmic rays were all protons, but this article says sometimes it's iron.

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/let-s-colonize-titan
GCRs include particles such as iron nuclei traveling at close to the speed of light that destroy brain tissue.
 
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  • #3
It appears they are composed of heavier nuclei in addition to protons, especially the highest energy cosmic rays. This graph from this paper shows that in order to fit the data, the authors need to assume that cosmic rays include many heavier nuclei, up to and including iron. However, be aware that these very high energy events are extremely rare. As for the paper you linked, why would we choose to colonize Titan as opposed to just living underground on the moon?
Screen Shot 2021-04-30 at 6.41.58 AM.png
 
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  • #4
phyzguy said:
It appears they are composed of heavier nuclei in addition to protons, especially the highest energy cosmic rays. This graph from this paper shows that in order to fit the data, the authors need to assume that cosmic rays include many heavier nuclei, up to and including iron. However, be aware that these very high energy events are extremely rare. As for the paper you linked, why would we choose to colonize Titan as opposed to just living underground on the moon?
Titan could be a good place to go when the Sun gets to its red giant stage of life.
 
  • #5
swampwiz said:
Titan could be a good place to go when the Sun gets to its red giant stage of life.
Since that is several billion years in the future, I for one am not going to worry about it.
 
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  • #6
phyzguy said:
Since that is several billion years in the future, I for one am not going to worry about it.
It says here that the Sun will become too hot for plants in about 600M years (a "Soylent Green" diet would be unsustainable :eek:). And even if the food problem could be solved, it's going to be too hot in about 1G years.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_Earth
The luminosity of the Sun will steadily increase, resulting in a rise in the solar radiation reaching the Earth. This will result in a higher rate of weathering of silicate minerals, affecting the carbonate-silicate cycle which will cause a decrease in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In about 600 million years from now, the level of carbon dioxide will fall below the level needed to sustain C3 carbon fixation photosynthesis used by trees.
In about one billion years, the solar luminosity will be 10% higher than at present. This will cause the atmosphere to become a "moist greenhouse", resulting in a runaway evaporation of the oceans. As a likely consequence, plate tectonics will come to an end, and with them the entire carbon cycle.
 
  • #7
So your position is that we don't have to worry about something that won't happen for 1B years, but 600M years is urgent?
 
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  • #8
Just for scale, Homo Erectus, arguably the first pretty close human ancestor seems to have shown up (maybe) about two million years ago. Seem to me that there is a lot of evolutionary road to travel until we get close to the point that CO2 levels drop below the level needed to sustain photosynthesis.

--diogenesNY
 

1. What are cosmic rays?

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from outer space. They can range from protons and electrons to heavier nuclei like iron.

2. How are cosmic rays detected?

Cosmic rays are detected using specialized instruments such as particle detectors or telescopes. These instruments can measure the energy and direction of the particles, allowing scientists to study their properties.

3. Why are iron nuclei significant in cosmic rays?

Iron nuclei are significant in cosmic rays because they are the heaviest and most energetic particles that can be accelerated by cosmic sources. Studying iron nuclei can provide insights into the extreme environments and processes that produce cosmic rays.

4. Are cosmic rays dangerous to humans?

Cosmic rays can be dangerous to humans if exposed to high levels of radiation. However, Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field provide protection from most cosmic rays. Astronauts and airline crew members are more at risk of exposure to cosmic rays due to their higher altitudes.

5. How are iron nuclei formed in cosmic rays?

Iron nuclei are formed in cosmic rays through a process called nuclear fusion, where lighter elements combine to form heavier elements. This process occurs in extreme environments such as supernova explosions or the cores of stars.

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