Detecting Cosmic Ray Muons
Room A | Tue 21 Jan 10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Presented by
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Robert Hart
https://cosmicray.com.au/
Robert Hart is the STEM Learning and Programs Officer at the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Libraries, where he offers a wide range of STEM education and Makerspace workshops for children and adults. His journey into STEM began in his youth when he would repurpose items he found on the roadside into electronic and radio projects. Despite facing challenges due to dyslexia, Robert's curiosity and passion for science led to a 40-year career as a tradesperson, production manager, and CEO in electrical and electronics manufacturing and social enterprise development.
Robert has been committed to sharing his skills beyond his professional involvement. Over the years, he has actively participated in various community hobby groups in electronics, robotics, radio astronomy, community wireless networks, and electronic arts. He also participates in numerous events and competitions. His dedication to fostering open-source projects, collaboration, and innovation is further demonstrated by his history of participation on several boards, including Air-Stream Wireless, Dorkbots Adelaide, Hackerspace Adelaide, and Makerspace Adelaide.
Robert Hart
https://cosmicray.com.au/
Abstract
Most people are unaware of Cosmic Rays, yet they exist everywhere, unseen or felt. They were created long ago when primary particles get accelerated to near the speed of light by the tremendous magnetic shockwaves when stars supernova, black holes eat, and binary stars merge. The very same processes that thrust heavy elements made inside stars and other extreme events to form interstellar dust, asteroids, planets, and the building blocks for life. Cosmic Rays are an ongoing and continuous reminder of the immense scale, age, and complexity of the universe and the importance of science to our understanding. Building a Cosmic Ray Muon Detector allows anyone to collect data and visualise or make music from Cosmic Ray showers here on Earth. It is an opportunity to share an appreciation of Cosmic Rays: how tiny our little blue planet is, where it exists within the vastness of the universe, a precious, rare and fragile place, something worth protecting.
Most people are unaware of Cosmic Rays, yet they exist everywhere, unseen or felt. They were created long ago when primary particles get accelerated to near the speed of light by the tremendous magnetic shockwaves when stars supernova, black holes eat, and binary stars merge. The very same processes that thrust heavy elements made inside stars and other extreme events to form interstellar dust, asteroids, planets, and the building blocks for life. Cosmic Rays are an ongoing and continuous reminder of the immense scale, age, and complexity of the universe and the importance of science to our understanding. Building a Cosmic Ray Muon Detector allows anyone to collect data and visualise or make music from Cosmic Ray showers here on Earth. It is an opportunity to share an appreciation of Cosmic Rays: how tiny our little blue planet is, where it exists within the vastness of the universe, a precious, rare and fragile place, something worth protecting.