This discussion centers on the exploration of muons and their detection in the Alps using specialized devices. Participants reference a segment from the show "Time" on Discovery Science, which highlights the creation of muons by cosmic rays interacting with the atmosphere. Key concepts such as time dilation and Lorentz contraction are discussed, particularly in relation to the percentage of muons that reach detectors. A valuable resource is provided, linking to HyperPhysics for further understanding of these phenomena.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, educators, students, and anyone interested in particle physics and the study of cosmic rays will benefit from this discussion.
pesto said:Hi everyone. I was just watching a show called Time on Discovery science where our host takes us to the Alps and shows us a device which counts muons created by light rays hitting the atmosphere. I tried googling for it but came up with nothing, so I was wondering if anyone here might know where I could dig around for more information.
Thank you.
George Jones said:Are you looking for information on how muons are created, or for information on how time dllation/Lorentz contraction explains the percentage of muons that reach the detector?
The latter is explained at
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Relativ/muon.html#c1.
Make sure you click on all the links: Non-relativistic; Relativistic, Earth observer; Relativistic, muon observer; Comparison; Comments on comparison; Vary parameters.
Also, if this is the information for which you're looking, then this thread should be moved to the relativity forum.