Our planet is constantly bombarded by tiny, energetic particles called cosmic rays. They spark the beautiful auroras we see in the northern and southern polar regions. However, cosmic rays can also disrupt satellites and pose major challenges for human space exploration. The search for cosmic rays at ever-higher energies shows that they are becoming increasingly rare - and increasingly mysterious. To catch these extremely energetic and elusive messengers from outer space, scientists use the Earth’s atmosphere as a giant particle detector. Even then, tracing them back to their cosmic origins remains one of astronomy’s greatest puzzles.

In this talk, we’ll explore with Francesca Capel cosmic rays across a vast range of energies, and dive into the quest to find the origins of the most energetic particles ever detected in the Universe.

This event is in English!

When: 18.09.2025 at 7 pm
Where: ESO Supernova Planetarium in Garching
Ticket: € 6.50
Ticket reservation: ESO Supernova