In Physics 12, I did a research project, presenting an article of choice to my class, in my case the sources of cosmic rays. I chose to explore the sources of cosmic rays, a topic that captured my interest after reading Supernova by Liu Cixin, as in the book the radiation caused by a supernova has profound impacts on the planet. However, the article I chose challenged the conventional view, suggesting that active dwarf stars—rather than supernovae—may be the primary contributors to cosmic rays in our galaxy.
The project came with a strict time limit, which meant I couldn’t explain every detail or go super in-depth—I had to really focus on what mattered most, explaining the core hypothesis and key evidence. I did further research from accredited sources on some background information and vocabulary that people new to the topic might not know, and compiled it into a presentation.
One of the most striking insights I gained was how new observational data—like the unexpected rise in positron flux detected by AMS-02—can go against long-standing scientific models. It was fascinating to learn that stellar flares from red dwarfs could not only match the energy levels needed for cosmic ray production but also explain phenomena previously attributed to dark matter. This really allows one to appreciate how science welcomes criticism and constant questioning to ensure the most solid foundations on the human quest for truth.
In the end, though my article had a lot of complex scientific jargon, I was able to clearly communicate the big theories of cosmic ray sources while still diving into the evidence of why scientists would come to this conclusion. After this presentation, I am definitely feeling more confident about understanding tough topics!