Particle Physics Seminar, 2 Oct. 2002

Particle Physics Seminar

Date: Wednesday 2nd October 2002

Title: Ultra-High Cosmic Rays (example of abstract)

Speaker: Professor Alan Watson (Leeds)

Abstract
The existence of cosmic rays with energies above 10^20 eV presents problems as no anisotropy is seen and it is hard to envisage astrophysical sources that can accelerate them. This has led to a wide range of theories for their origin, some of which require new physics. I will review the experimental data and show that the super- heavy relic model (Wimpzillas) is probably not tenable. More data are needed. I will describe progress on the construction of the 3000 km^2 Pierre Auger Observatory, the engineering phase of which has now been successfully completed.

Particle Physics Seminars take place in room B02, Physics West, on Wednesdays at 1315, unless listed otherwise. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served at 1300.