Unexplained Cosmic Ray Shocks Scientists in Utah

Scientists are puzzled by the detection of the most powerful cosmic ray in over three decades, believed to have originated from beyond the Milky Way galaxy. Dubbed the Amaterasu particle, its exact origin remains a mystery, leading some experts to suggest unknown physics may be at play. Cosmic rays, charged particles that travel through space at close to the speed of light, provide valuable samples of matter from outside the solar system. The recently discovered cosmic ray, with an estimated energy of 240 exa-electron volts, has left scientists questioning what could produce such high energy and where these particles come from. Upgrades to the Telescope Array in Utah aim to capture more of these rare ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays and trace their origins more precisely.