In Orbit for 10 Years, "Wukong" Satellite Cracks the Secret of Cosmic Ray Acceleration
China's "Wukong" dark matter particle detection satellite has achieved another great feat, successfully deciphering the acceleration code of cosmic rays, and providing a key answer to a long-standing puzzle in the scientific community. Cosmic rays are high-energy particles flying at high speeds in the universe, and their origin and acceleration mechanisms have been a major mystery in astronomy. In the past, scientists could only rely on theoretical speculation, and it was difficult to obtain direct observational evidence.
The "Wukong" satellite has been stably operating in space for more than 10 years, cumulatively detecting approximately 18.5 billion high-energy particles, with observation accuracy and particle identification capabilities at an international first-class level.
Using the satellite's data from the first 9 years, the research team accurately measured the energy distribution of the five most common cosmic ray particles – protons, helium, carbon, oxygen, and iron – and for the first time directly observed a common bump-like structure in these particles at the high-energy end.
The maximum measured energy of carbon, oxygen, and iron was nearly 10 times higher than previously achieved, with very high reliability of the results.
The most critical significance of this discovery is the confirmation of the existence of cosmic ray acceleration sources near Earth. It also directly verifies the charge-dependent acceleration model proposed more than 60 years ago, proving that the energy limit of particle acceleration is proportional to charge.
Currently, the "Wukong" satellite remains in good condition and will continue to collect data in space. With the extension of observation time, it may bring more new discoveries about cosmic rays in the future, helping humanity to better understand the operating rules of the deep universe.
"Wukong" discovers the charge-dependent law of the energy limit of cosmic ray acceleration.