1
$\begingroup$

From this article in The Guardian

When ultra-high-energy cosmic rays hit Earth’s atmosphere, they initiate a cascade of secondary particles and electromagnetic radiation in what is known as an extensive air shower. Some charged particles in the air shower travel faster than the speed of light, producing a type of electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by specialised instruments.

I'm not a physicist but this seems rather unlikely to me.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • 9
    $\begingroup$ speed of light in the air is lesser than the speed of light in the vacuum. $\endgroup$
    – Jeanbaptiste Roux
    Commented Nov 24, 2023 at 12:18
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Check out Cherenkov radiation $\endgroup$
    – LPZ
    Commented Nov 24, 2023 at 13:53

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

This is not fundamentally impossible. It is the speed of light in the vacuum that cannot be exceeded. Speed of light in the air (and the article says in the air) is also very high but it can be exceeded by such a monster particle as Amaterasu.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.