Ultra-high energy cosmic rays and the Pierre Auger Observatory

• Grant number: 12/51015-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Elementary Particle Physics and Fields
• Agreement: CONICET
• Principal Investigator: Carola Dobrigkeit Chinellato
• Grantee: Carola Dobrigkeit Chinellato
• Principal researcher abroad: Maria Silvia Mollerach
• Institution abroad: Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Argentina
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 10/07359-6 - Study of cosmic rays of highest energies with the Pierre Auger Observatory , AP.TEM

Abstract

The nature and possible sources of cosmic rays of ultra-high energy (E> 1 EeV) are challenging conundrums in astrophysics nowadays. The increase in quantity and quality of data achieved by the Pierre Auger Observatory offers the possibility of great advances in the understanding of this phenomenon. This project will be executed in a period when the exposure of the Auger Observatory will exceed that of all previous experiments. Results of significant impact can be anticipated which can eventually reveal the origin of cosmic rays of highest energy. Among the main goals of the project we propose to develop, improve and apply tools for the analysis of the arrival directions of cosmic rays, identifying their potential sources and reconstructing properties of the intervening magnetic fields during their propagation to Earth. A combined study of anisotropy properties of arrival directions and composition of the ultra-energetic cosmic rays is also one of the goals of the project. The Argentinean and Brazilian researchers participating in this project are part of the Pierre Auger Collaboration. In particular the project aims to increasing the collaboration between the scientists of the participating institutions, exploring their expertise and experience in the various analyses. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

AAB, A.; ABREU, P.; AGLIETTA, M.; AHN, E. J.; AL SAMARAI, I.; ALBUQUERQUE, I. F. M.; ALLEKOTTE, I.; ALLEN, J.; ALLISON, P.; ALMELA, A.; et al. LARGE SCALE DISTRIBUTION OF ULTRA HIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS DETECTED AT THE PIERRE AUGER OBSERVATORY WITH ZENITH ANGLES UP TO 80 degrees. ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL, v. 802, n. 2, APR 1 2015. (12/51015-5, 99/05404-3, 10/07359-6)

AAB, A.; ABREU, P.; AGLIETTA, M.; AHN, E. J.; AL SAMARAI, I.; ALBUQUERQUE, I. F. M.; ALLEKOTTE, I.; ALLEN, J.; ALLISON, P.; ALMELA, A.; et al. SEARCHES FOR ANISOTROPIES IN THE ARRIVAL DIRECTIONS OF THE HIGHEST ENERGY COSMIC RAYS DETECTED BY THE PIERRE AUGER OBSERVATORY. ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL, v. 804, n. 1, MAY 1 2015. (12/51015-5, 99/05404-3, 10/07359-6)