MEDIA RELEASE
November 16, 2009
Cosmic rays and you
Cosmic rays are tiny particles from space. So what do they have to do with climate
change research? And how much do they increase your radiation dose when you fly?
Hear about this and more from Dr Marc Duldig of the Australian Antarctic Division,
at the University of Tasmania on Thursday November 19.
Dr Duldig is an expert on cosmic rays.
His talk, ‘Particle Astronomy – The Second Window’, is the last in a series of public
lectures held in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Physics to celebrate the
International Year of Astronomy.
Traditional astronomy relies on light or other electromagnetic radiation, such as
radio waves or X-rays.
But astronomers can draw on another tool: cosmic rays, which are particles travelling
almost at the speed of light.
They twist and turn on their way through space, so it’s been tricky working out where
they come from. But at last astronomers are getting a handle on that.
In his talk, Dr Duldig will discuss what cosmic rays are, how they come to travel so
fast and what they are telling us about the universe. He will also share a history about
several Nobel Prizes related to cosmic rays, what they tell us about the Sun and how,
even today, they are still interacting with the Big Bang!
He’ll also cover some more “down to Earth” uses for cosmic rays, and their effect on
your body.
Dr Duldig will speak from 8pm at the Physics Lecture Theatre 1, Sandy Bay Campus,
University of Tasmania. All are welcome and entry is free.
Biography
Dr Marc Duldig is widely regarded as a leader in the field of Cosmic Ray modulation
research. He is responsible for cosmic ray observatories in Australia and Antarctica
and is a member of several key international cosmic ray global network
collaborations. Marc is a Senior Principal Research Scientist with the Australian
Antarctic Division where he manages the atmospheric component of the division’s
climate program as well as the cosmic ray observatories. He is Vice President of the
Australian Institute of Physics and a Secretary of the Astronomical Society of
Australia.
The International Year of Astronomy is coordinated globally by the International
Astronomical Union and endorsed by the United Nations. IYA activities in Australia
are funded with assistance from the Science Connections Program within the
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Media contact for images and interviews: Sue Nelson, Quick Thinking
Communications 0403 343 275 or sue@qtcommunications.com
International Year of Astronomy, Australia
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