cosmic rays

plural noun

1. radiation consisting of particles, esp protons, of very high energy that reach the earth from outer space Also calledcosmic radiation

cosmic rays

1. Elementary particles , mainly protons , that are produced by the sun and other stars and then strike the upper atmosphere of the Earth . Some of these particles are absorbed, some help form the Van Allen belt , and some reach the Earth's surface, where they form a part of the background radiation that constantly surrounds us.

Example Sentences

Tracking lines arc through the expansive field, recalling cosmic rays shooting across a cloud chamber.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that the spacecraft is outside the Sun’s protective bubble, its electronics are also vulnerable to strikes from galactic cosmic rays, charged particles accelerated to ultrahigh energies by supernovae and other cosmic engines.

From Science Magazine

She says lab experiments will now be needed to pin down exactly how DMS forms in space, where ultraviolet light and cosmic rays can power the synthesis of complex organic molecules.

From Science Magazine

Trillions of trillions of cosmic rays collide with Earth's atmosphere every day.

From Science Daily

According to Uusitalo, the dominant fraction of radiocarbon is produced by galactic cosmic rays coming from outside the solar system, even though exceptionally strong solar storms generate individual bursts of the isotope in the atmosphere.

From Science Daily