Cosmic Rays and Nuclear Physics [antikvár]

PREFACEIn this book the main features of the complex cosmic ray phenomena are described. It is unavoidable in dealing with cosmic rays to give also an account of the nature and properties of the so called elementary particles, the ultimate bricks of nature.Cosmic rays were discovered before the first world war. The discovery was preceded by the finding of minor inconsistencies between experiment and theory. Air was beUeved to be a perfect insulator, but experiments showed that it possessed a certain electrical conductivity. Further investigation of this inconsistency led to the discovery of cosmic rays. The subsequent investigation of these rays has helped to uncover completely new features of nature. Among others it has led to the discovery of the meson which, in a ghost like state between existence and non-existence, keeps atomic nuclei together and is the cement of ordinary matter.This book describes the development of cosmic ray research from the early puzzles about a small inconsistency to the present day where this research has become one of the most fundamental branches of Scientific activity.In the beginning researches were carried out by a few enterprising workers, often discouraged by general disbehef in their subject. But nowadays cosmic ray research has taken on vast proportions. The problems have grown too complicated to be dealt with by single workers or even isolated teams.Team work in the field of cosmic rays has also been necessitated by other causes. Experiments have to be carried out in different parts of the world, and on high mountains or deep underground. Facilities for such experiments cannot be found everywhere and such requirements lead to a natural division of work. An interesting instance may be mentioned: The ItaUan school carried out experiments inside the Basilica Massence utiHsing the vast cyUndrically built roof as an absorber of exactly the required shape. Such an experiment could have been hardly possible outside Italy without building something as vast as the Basilica itself!At present there is feverish activity in the field of cosmic rays. The researches have by no means been concluded. We have, therefore,xiiiCOSMIC RAYSAND NUCLEAR PHYSICSByL jANOSSY Ph. D.Rapid advances are being made in our understanding of tliese mysterious rays, from which much is being discoveredabout the ultimate nature of matter. *Dr. Janossy is Senior Professor of Cosmic Physics at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Dublin and is recognised as one of the leading authorities on the subject.