Protons
Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus of every atom. Each proton carries one elementary positive charge and has a mass of approximately 1.67 × 10⁻²⁷ kilograms, roughly 1,836 times heavier than an electron. The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus determines its atomic number, which defines the chemical element and its place in the periodic table.
Detection in Cosmic Rays
Beyond their role in atomic structure, protons are abundant in cosmic rays—high-energy particles originating from space that constantly bombard Earth’s atmosphere. The LHAASO (Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory) observatory, located on the Tibetan Plateau, detects and analyzes these cosmic-ray protons by observing the extensive air showers they produce when colliding with atmospheric molecules. By studying the energy, direction, and frequency of cosmic-ray protons, researchers gain insights into cosmic particle acceleration mechanisms and high-energy astrophysical phenomena.
Source Notes
- 2026-04-13: We Found the Most Powerful Object In the Universe
- 2026-04-19: Breakthrough in Superheavy Nuclei Stability and the Periodic Table · ▶ source
- 2026-04-24: Experimental Confirmation of Virtual Particle Reality · ▶ source
- 2026-04-30: LHC CMS Experiment Tests for Quark Substructure · ▶ source