Model-independent Evidence for an Increase in the Mean Mass of Cosmic Rays above 3 EeV

TL;DR

This study reviews measurements of the depth of shower maximum in cosmic rays above 1 EeV, providing evidence that the mean mass of primary cosmic rays increases above 3 EeV, with implications for hadronic physics and composition models.

Contribution

It offers model-independent evidence for an increase in cosmic ray mass above 3 EeV, challenging the proton-dominance hypothesis at the highest energies.

Findings

Decrease in Elongation Rate above ~3 EeV observed in multiple independent estimates.

Evidence suggests the mean mass of cosmic rays increases with energy beyond 3 EeV.

Uncertainties in hadronic models do not significantly affect the conclusion.

Abstract

Measurements of the Elongation Rate of the depth of shower maximum above 1 EeV are reviewed. There is evidence, from four independent estimates of this rate, made in the two hemispheres using three different techniques, for a decrease in the Elongation Rate above ~3 EeV, as first discovered by the Pierre Auger Collaboration over 15 year ago. Unless there is a dramatic change in the hadronic physics above this energy, the mean mass of the primary cosmic rays must increase as a function of energy, well into the decade beyond 10 EeV. To estimate the mass, the use of hadronic models is required, the accuracy of which remains uncertain. However, the possibility of a dramatic change in the hadronic physics appears unlikely, and would be inconsistent with data from the Auger Collaboration on the mass composition in the range 3 to 10 EeV, and on the anisotropy of arrival directions above 8 EeV. Both of these conclusions are insensitive to uncertainties in the shower models. Some remarks are made about the belief, still firmly held by some, that the highest-energy cosmic rays are dominantly protons.