Future ground arrays for ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays: recent updates and perspectives

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress and future perspectives in ground array detectors for ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays, emphasizing upgrades and the design requirements for next-generation observatories to enhance understanding of cosmic ray origins.

Contribution

It provides an overview of current observatory upgrades and discusses the design considerations for a large-area, cost-effective future ground array for UHECR detection.

Findings

Latest results from Pierre Auger and Telescope Array observatories.

Details on upgrades like AugerPrime and TAx4.

Requirements for future large-area, low-cost detectors.

Abstract

The origin and nature of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) are one of the most intriguing mysteries in particle astrophysics and astronomy. The two largest observatories, the Pierre Auger Observatory and the Telescope Array Experiment, are steadily observing UHECRs in both hemispheres in order to better understand their origin and associated acceleration mechanisms at the highest energies. We highlight their latest results including on-going upgrades, AugerPrime and TAx4, and then address the requirements for a next-generation observatory. We share recent updates and perspectives for a future ground array of fluorescence detectors, addressing the requirements for a large-area, low-cost detector suitable for measuring the properties of the highest energy cosmic rays with an unprecedented aperture.