surface detector

A surface detector is a device used to observe high-energy particles from space that reach Earth's surface, often part of observatories studying cosmic rays. It typically comprises an array of sensors spread over a large area, designed to detect secondary particles generated when a cosmic ray interacts with the atmosphere. These detectors measure the particles' arrival times and energies, allowing scientists to trace back to the original cosmic ray's properties, such as its origin and energy. Surface detectors are essential tools for understanding rare, extremely energetic cosmic phenomena and contribute to our knowledge of the universe.