HiSPARC

It is never too early to start networking and that is why HiSPARC exists. In HiSPARC, high schools and scientific institutes form a network to measure extremely high-energy cosmic rays. The project offers pupils the opportunity to participate in a real scientific study. The results are used to discover more about these mysterious and rare cosmic particles. Where do they come from and how do they acquire their energy?

Pupils and 'their' detectors
The detection of these high-energy cosmic rays requires a surface area of 100 km2 or more to measure the particle density with the aid of particle detectors. However, the entire surface area does not need to be covered with measurement stations. Several measurement stations (10-15) separated by a distance of about 1 km are sufficient. Correlating the measurement data from the detectors ultimately provides a good picture of the size of the avalanche and also allows the direction of the primary particle to be determined. Where and how these high-energy particles originate is unknown at present.

People, measurements and knowledge
Densely populated areas (urban conurbations) are the ideal location for measurement stations. The necessary infrastructure, such as Internet and mains voltage, is available here. In practice, the average distance between high schools (and other public organisations) is roughly the same as the desired distance between measurement stations: about 1 km. Besides offering suitable locations, the schools can provide sufficient enthusiastic manpower (teachers, technical assistants and pupils) to construct the equipment and keep this operational. The project allows pupils to come into direct contact with technical equipment such as computer-guided registration devices, exact spatial and temporal positioning by means of an integrated GPS system, and the use of such as Internet as data transmission.

Internet for data transmission
The experiment is ideal for generating various subject cluster assignments as it contains both scientific and technological aspects. The long duration (and gradual expansion of the number of clusters of measurement stations) guarantees an efficient use of the investments made. Many successive years of pupils will be able to benefit from the infrastructure provided.

Visit the HiSPARC site or send an email to the organisation.