The Highest energy particles in the universe: The Mystery and its possible solutions

Oct, 2001

Citations per year

2002200320042005210
Abstract: (arXiv)
The universe should be dark at energies exceeding 5×1019\sim 5\times 10^{19} eV. This simple but solid prediction of our best known particle physics is not confirmed by observations, that seem to suggest a quite different picture. Numerous events have in fact been detected in this energy region, with spectra and anisotropy features that defy many conventional and unconventional explanations. Is there a problem with known physics or is this a result of astrophysical uncertainties? Here we try to answer these questions, in the light of present observations, while discussing which information future observations may provide on this puzzling issue.
  • talk: Seoul 2001/06/28
  • cosmic radiation: particle source
  • GZK effect
  • cosmic radiation: flux
  • cosmic radiation: anisotropy
  • cosmic radiation: production
  • cosmic radiation: acceleration
  • defect: topological
  • numerical calculations: interpretation of experiments
  • bibliography