AMS-02 in Space: Physics Results

TL;DR

The AMS-02 experiment in space has collected extensive cosmic ray data, revealing potential new sources of high-energy leptons possibly linked to dark matter or astrophysical phenomena, advancing fundamental space physics research.

Contribution

This paper presents new cosmic ray measurements from AMS-02, highlighting potential dark matter signals and astrophysical sources, with detailed analysis of leptons and light nuclei.

Findings

Evidence for high-energy CR leptons from unknown sources

Data suggest possible dark matter annihilation signals

Upcoming measurements will help distinguish between scenarios

Abstract

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a particle physics experiment designed to study origin and nature of Galactic Cosmic Rays (CRs) up to TeV energies from space. With its high sensitivity, long exposure and excellent identification capabilities, AMS is conducting a unique mission of fundamental physics research in space. To date, more than 60 billion CR events have been collected by AMS. The new results on CR leptons and the analysis and light-nuclei are presented and discussed. The new leptonic data indicate the existence of new sources of high-energy CR leptons, that may arise either by dark-matter particles annihilation or by nearby astrophysical sources of $e^{\pm}$ pairs. Future data at higher energies and forthcoming measurements on the antiproton spectrum and the boron-to-carbon ratio will be crucial in providing the discrimination among the different scenario.