How cosmic particles reshape your world | Noemi Zabari | TEDxWarsaw

Key Concepts:

• Cosmic radiation: High-energy particles originating from space.
• Muons: Elementary particles created when cosmic rays collide with the Earth's atmosphere.
• Natural background radiation: The constant exposure to cosmic particles, considered normal and safe.
• Muon detection: Using muons for practical applications like scanning and forecasting.
• Seismic activity: The frequency and intensity of earthquakes in a particular area.

Cosmic Radiation and Muons

• A constant stream of cosmic particles, including muons, passes through everything, including our bodies.
• This is natural background radiation and is generally safe due to the atmosphere's protective effect.
• Muons are created when cosmic rays from stars and cosmic events (like supernova explosions) collide with the Earth's atmosphere.
• Astronauts need protection from cosmic radiation in space, but muons on Earth are safe due to atmospheric shielding.
• Muons were discovered in 1936 at Caltech by Karl Anderson and Seth Neddermeyer while studying cosmic radiation.
• Muons behave differently than other particles, easily passing through various materials.

Practical Applications of Muons

• Muons can be used for practical applications due to their ability to penetrate materials.
• The speaker, a particle astrophysicist specializing in dense nuclear matter and secondary cosmic radiation (muons), has dedicated her work to exploring these applications.
• Science fiction inspires potential applications, such as seeing through walls.
• X-rays, discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Röntgen, serve as an example of a technology that quickly transitioned from discovery to practical use (surgery within months).

Scanning with Muons

• Muons are used to "see through" objects like walls, buildings, steel vaults, pyramids, and mountains.
• In 1969, Luis Alvarez and his team attempted to find hidden chambers in the Chephren pyramid using muons, but were unsuccessful.
• In 2017, scientists successfully discovered a hidden room in the Great Pyramid of Giza using improved muon detection techniques.
• Muons are used to scan volcanoes to monitor eruption risks, damaged nuclear reactors (Fukushima, Chernobyl), and shipping containers for dangerous materials in ports.

Earthquake Forecasting with Muons

• Research suggests a correlation between cosmic radiation and seismic activity.
• A solid earthquake forecasting system has been developed based on this correlation.
• Current earthquake warnings provide seconds of notice, leading to panic and increased casualties.
• The speaker argues that having days of advance warning can significantly reduce casualties and damage by allowing for preparation.
• Examples of recent earthquakes with high death tolls (Thailand, Turkey, China, Morocco, Italy, Japan) highlight the need for better forecasting.

Other Applications and Future Potential

• There are at least 12 other known real-world applications of muons.
• These include detecting hidden explosives, encrypting information with quantum-level security, tracking underground water, protecting satellites, and preventing blackouts.
• Muon technology is already impacting various sectors, including city infrastructure, travel safety, building safety, healthcare, construction, logistics, and policy.

Conclusion

• Understanding and utilizing cosmic particles like muons can improve life.
• Even basic awareness of these particles is a step towards embracing their potential.
• The speaker encourages further exploration of muon technology.
• The goal is to shift the perception of cosmic radiation from a danger to a possibility.
• Understanding invisible things like muons can lead to a better understanding of the world and the future.