Scientific impact of the cosmic ray studies carried out from Hyderabad

Abstract

Cosmic ray research using balloon-borne instruments started during the late forties and the balloon facility in Hyderabad came into existence primarily for the cosmic ray studies. A wide range of experimental activities took place and the research output peaked during the sixties. Experimental study on the primary nucleon component of the cosmic rays was carried out using a variety of techniques. Results from these experiments were valuable assets to our understanding of the cosmic rays and provided the basis for developing models of cosmic ray propagation. Pioneering experiments were carried out on the electron component and its energy spectrum was determined from about 10 to 800 GeV. Astrophysical implications of these results with special reference to the nonthermal radiation in the Galaxy were extensively studied. Search for antiparticles in cosmic radiation was also undertaken. A serious attempt was made to detect solar neutrons. Characteristics of high energy interactions at energies above 1 TeV were investigated using specially designed large area nuclear emulsion stacks. Interesting results on the secondary cosmic rays produced in the atmosphere were obtained and detailed calculations were undertaken to predict the spectral evolution of secondary components in the atmosphere. After this glorious period, balloon-borne cosmic ray research came to an end by the beginning of the seventies.