The course will provide an education as to how we obtain information about Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR's) on Earth and in Space.

We shall pursue questions such as:

• Where are the sources of GCR's?
• How are GCR's accelerated to energies exceeding 10²⁰ eV?
• What is the composition and energy spectrum of GCR's?
• How do GCR's get to Earth from their sources in the galaxy?
• How do they interact with the geomagnetic field of the Earth, the Solar Wind in Space, and the Local interstellar Medium?
• How do we observe GCR's in Space and their daughter products on Earth?
• How are the observed time variations of GCR's (modulation) influenced by the Solar processes? What can we use them for?

We expect to demonstrate that Cosmic Ray Physics continues to be a stimulating and a dynamic subject, in a robust state of good health, and that it continues to provide an excellent opportunity for acquiring useful skills in enhancing one's understanding of Physics and Astrophysics.

The material will be presented at a level suitable for first year Graduate Students and advanced Seniors. The course is useful for individuals who expect to do research in or have a general interest in Geophysics, Space Physics, High Energy Astrophysics, and Plasma Physics.

The core text for the course is "High Energy Astrophysics," by M.S. Longair, Cambridge University Press. Student participation is strongly encouraged via term paper presentation on topics that catch their fancy. The class time might particularly appeal to those who work during the day.

Further information may be obtained from:
Professor H.S. Ahluwalia,
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Tel.: 505-277-2941,
Office: Room 178, P&A Building,
or the email button below:

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