Atmospheric ionization and cosmic rays: studies and measurements before 1912

TL;DR

This paper reviews the historical studies and measurements of atmospheric ionization and cosmic rays before 1912, highlighting early scientific efforts and overlooked contributions in the discovery of cosmic rays.

Contribution

It uncovers and discusses the forgotten scientific contributions and historical context of early cosmic ray research prior to 1912.

Findings

Early experiments contributed to understanding atmospheric ionization.

Historical analysis reveals overlooked scientists and contributions.

The period was marked by nationalism affecting scientific communication.

Abstract

The discovery of cosmic rays, a milestone in science, was based on the work by scientists in Europe and the New World and took place during a period characterised by nationalism and lack of communication. Many scientists that took part in this research a century ago were intrigued by the penetrating radiation and tried to understand the origin of it. Several important contributions to the discovery of the origin of cosmic rays have been forgotten; historical, political and personal facts might have contributed to their substantial disappearance from the history of science.