particle astrophysics

Cosmic rays are atomic nuclei and subatomic particles accelerated to extraordinary energies by the most violent events in the universe. Some arrive with energies exceeding anything a particle accelerator can produce, yet their sources remain one of astrophysics' great unsolved mysteries.

Dark matter makes up 27% of the universe's energy content, yet its nature remains one of science's deepest mysteries. Physicists are searching for it underground, in space, at particle accelerators, and with gravitational telescopes — using every tool available to trap something that refuses to interact.