Coincidence detector using two geiger counters.

Summary

High energy cosmic rays are able to penetrate our atmosphere from space.

The PARI Cosmic Ray Monitor uses two RM-70 Geiger Counters (Aware Electronics) running in coincidence mode.

Cosmic Rays are ionized particles from space which enter the atmosphere and produce a cascade of secondary particles (primarily muons).

Muons are detected in coincidence mode and must pass through two detectors almost simultaneously to determine the direction of flight.

Background activity is the sum of naturally occuring radioactive compounds in the soil, Radon gas, and random electrical noise. Typical background radiation is a very consistant 16 micro-roentgen / hr. The level of sensitivity displayed is almost 1,000x the sensitivity of the 1960's Civil Defense geiger counters commonly available on the surplus market.

      View current cosmic ray detection

Current Status

Friday, August 05, 2005

Instrument is currently online 24/7.

Usage Guidelines

Data files are available on request for data reduction and correlation studies.