Cosmic-Ray Extremely Distributed Observatory: status and perspectives

TL;DR

CREDO is a global project utilizing diverse detectors, including smartphones, to study extended cosmic-ray phenomena and ensembles, aiming to uncover new physics beyond current single-shower detection methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of using all available detectors worldwide, including non-professional devices, to search for cosmic-ray ensembles and correlated events.

Findings

Development of a global detector network using diverse devices

Initial results on detecting spatially correlated cosmic-ray events

Framework for engaging non-experts in cosmic-ray research

Abstract

The Cosmic-Ray Extremely Distributed Observatory (CREDO) is a project dedicated to global studies of extremely extended cosmic-ray phenomena, the cosmic-ray ensembles (CRE), beyond the capabilities of existing detectors and observatories. Up to date cosmic-ray research has been focused on detecting single air showers, while the search for ensembles of cosmic-rays, which may overspread a significant fraction of the Earth, is a scientific terra incognita. Instead of developing and commissioning a completely new global detector infrastructure, CREDO proposes approaching the global cosmic-ray analysis objectives with all types of available detectors, from professional to pocket size, merged into a worldwide network. With such a network it is possible to search for evidences of correlated cosmic-ray ensembles. One of the observables that can be investigated in CREDO is a number of spatially isolated events collected in a small time window which could shed light on fundamental physics issues. The CREDO mission and strategy requires active engagement of a large number of participants, also non-experts, who will contribute to the project by using common electronic devices (e.g. smartphones). In this note the status and perspectives of the project is presented.