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Cosmic Ray

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Cosmic rays are very fast moving subatomic particles which travel through space.

About Cosmic Rays

There is a constant stream of cosmic rays coming from distant stars and supernova explosions.
Most cosmic rays are stopped by our atmosphere or deflected by the Earth's magnetic field.
Pilots of aeroplanes are exposed to a greater amount of cosmic rays because at high altitude there is less atmosphere to protect them.

References

Edexcel

Cosmic rays, page 360, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel
Cosmic rays, page 96, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel