Is it possible I saw a luminous cosmic ray track?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter jselin
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ray Track
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the observation of a luminous line seen by two individuals while driving in Maine, speculated to be caused by either a micrometeorite or cosmic rays. Participants concluded that the phenomenon was unlikely to be caused by cosmic rays, as they are atomic-sized particles and would not produce visible tracks. The consensus leans towards the explanation of a micrometeorite, which could create a straight luminous line due to its high velocity. The presence of storm clouds and lightning in the area was also noted as a potential factor influencing the observation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cosmic rays and their properties
  • Knowledge of micrometeorite behavior and characteristics
  • Familiarity with atmospheric phenomena and lightning
  • Basic principles of visual perception related to high-speed events
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and effects of cosmic rays on atmospheric phenomena
  • Study the characteristics and impact of micrometeorites upon atmospheric entry
  • Explore the science behind visual perception during rapid events
  • Investigate the relationship between storm clouds and electrical discharges
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, meteorologists, and anyone interested in atmospheric phenomena and high-speed particle interactions.

jselin
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Last month my sister and I were driving down a Maine highway to visit relatives up North. As we were chatting, I saw a perfectly straight, narrow, luminous line appear momentarily in front of the tree line (on the order of 100 meters away). It lasted just long enough to see and then it was gone... 100ms at most. It seemed instantaneous instead of striking like lightning and it was much less bright. I recall it being white and featureless with no branching or taper. There was also no discernible thunderclap.

We both saw and reacted to this immediately. She reported the same although she couldn't confirm it was in front of the tree line.

I suppose it could have been a micrometeorite coming in extremely fast but I just can't imagine it being that clean and quick after penetrating the entire atmosphere.

Is it possible a highly energetic cosmic ray could have caused a luminous track? Alternate explanations are welcome.

I should mention that storm clouds were tumbling above with light intermittent rain and sparse lightning strikes. Maybe a cosmic ray provided a ground path for a small discharge from the clouds?

Jim
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
It's possible that it was a small discharge, I'd be much more surprised if you saw cosmic rays, I don't think that's possible.

My bet is that it was a micrometeorite and it happened too fast for you to accurately discern the distance.
 
jselin said:
Is it possible a highly energetic cosmic ray could have caused a luminous track?

Not really, cosmic rays are atomic sized particles.

If you were the only one that saw it, then it could have been a cosmic ray hitting your retina...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_ray_visual_phenomena

But since someone else saw it, that doesn't work.

I'm for a meteorite. It's going to be moving at several km/s, so that's going to produce a straight line.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad A busy and interesting night sky in Mackinaw City
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Problems with Einstein's 1920 "Relativity"
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
7K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 257)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K