On November 30, 2024, a team of scientists from the Institute of High Energy Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced the discovery of what may be the first cosmic ray superaccelerator. This finding was made possible through the advanced capabilities of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), located in the star-forming region of Cygnus.
The observatory detected a massive bubble of ultra-high-energy gamma rays containing photons exceeding 1 PeV (Petaelectronvolt), with one photon reaching 2.5 PeV. This confirms the existence of a superaccelerator capable of generating particles up to 20 PeV. The detection area is associated with Cygnus OB2, a massive stellar cluster comprised of young, hot stars that create an environment conducive to particle acceleration.
Cosmic rays, primarily composed of charged particles such as protons, remain one of the greatest mysteries in astrophysics, with their exact origin still unknown. The LHAASO's research contributes to understanding the natural mechanisms that may accelerate these particles to extreme speeds.
Officially operational since May 2023, LHAASO is situated at an altitude of 4,410 meters in Sichuan province, providing a clear view of cosmic ray propagation and origins. The observatory spans 1.36 square kilometers and focuses on high-energy cosmic ray physics, making it a vital tool for scientists investigating radiation acceleration and propagation at extreme energy levels.
This discovery marks a significant advancement in astrophysics, offering new insights into previously incomprehensible cosmic phenomena. The study of high-energy cosmic rays may yield crucial information about processes occurring in outer space, enhancing our understanding of the universe.
Moreover, this finding emphasizes the essential role of observatories like LHAASO in exploring cosmic mysteries. Despite being a relatively new facility, LHAASO has already achieved significant milestones, including the detection of the most powerful gamma-ray bursts recorded in October 2022.
While the origin of cosmic rays remains unresolved, this discovery could pave the way for further advancements in understanding how these high-energy particles are generated. With the aid of advanced technologies like those at LHAASO, scientists are closer to unraveling the secrets of outer space.
This finding, still in its early stages of study, could radically alter our perception of astrophysical phenomena and provide clearer insights into processes occurring in the universe's most remote regions. The future of astrophysics appears increasingly promising with discoveries like this.