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A.V. Olinto (University of Chicago)
Results from the largest cosmic ray experiments are starting to probe the extremely high-energy region where a long awaited Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin feature in the spectrum is expected. Presently, the largest data set comes from the AGASA experiment that sees an intriguing excess of cosmic rays above 1020 eV. This excess flux has spurred intense activity in models proposed to explain this puzzling excess. The recently released monocular spectrum analysis of the High Resolution Fly’s Eye experiment does not confirm the excess. The discrepancy between the two experiments is within 2 – 3 sigma including possible systematic errors and will be resolved by future experiments such as the Auger Project. After reviewing the present state of the experiments and theoretical models for the highest energy cosmic rays, we will discuss future experiments and possible outcomes.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.