Cosmic rays, primarily composed of muons, interact with materials in complex ways, making traditional mirrors ineffective for reflection. When muons collide with atomic nuclei, they can cause significant energy release, resulting in particle showers, while most interactions involve the muons slowing down and decaying into electrons and neutrinos. The Earth's magnetic field plays a role in deflecting charged cosmic rays, which could be considered a form of reflection. However, the fundamental challenge lies in the high energy of muons, which limits the effectiveness of any shielding material. Overall, the discussion highlights the intricate dynamics of cosmic ray interactions and the limitations of using conventional materials for reflection.
