Muons

Muons are subatomic particles similar to electrons but heavier, with a mass about 200 times that of an electron. They are part of the lepton family in particle physics and are created when cosmic rays or high-energy particles collide with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere. Muons are unstable and decay into other particles within microseconds. Despite their short lifespan, they can penetrate materials better than electrons due to their higher mass. Muons play a crucial role in experiments that explore fundamental particle interactions and are valuable in various fields, including particle physics and cosmic studies.