Is Cosmology the Same as Cosmic Rays?

[welatiger]

Is there a difference between Cosmology and Cosmic rays ?

 

[Tanelorn]

Well I can think of one; the first is a single word of 9 letters..

Can you not make an effort to define your question more? Perhaps you suggest Cosmology is JUST the study of cosmic rays?

 

[Nabeshin]

The two are completely different.

Cosmic rays are high energy particles of cosmic origin (produced in the sun, supernovae, gamma ray bursts, etc.). It is just a catchall term for any high-energy radiation coming from outer space.

Cosmology, on the other hand, is the study of the universe as a whole, including its birth, evolution, and final fate. So cosmology as a science asks questions like "How big is the universe?", "What is the universe made of?", or "What was the universe like when it was very small?".