Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe from edX

In the Universe, high-energy cosmic rays are violently propagating in space. While we know these cosmic rays come from outside of the solar system, exactly how and where they originate is a mystery.

Professor Shoji Torii from Waseda University and many researchers from around the world, believe that understanding about their origin will help resolve the mysteries of the Universe, such as, supernova remnants, dark matter, and even the Universe’s evolution.

The most widely accepted theory is that high-energy cosmic rays are created by supernova explosions, but there are many other possibilities. Professor Torii hypothesis that these mysterious cosmic rays originate by the annihilation or decay of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPS). That is, they are candidates of dark matter.

To examine this theory and to truly understand where high-energy cosmic rays originate and propagate, Professor Torii, along with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and in collaboration with NASA and the Italian space Agency (ASI) have developed the Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET), now onboard the international space station.

Join us on this course on high-energy cosmic rays and get the latest research findings from the International Space Station to help unravel some of our greatest mysteries.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The evolution of the universe
The origin and propagation of cosmic rays

The search for dark matter through cosmic ray observation

The evolution of the universe
The origin and propagation of cosmic rays
The search for dark matter through cosmic ray observation

Syllabus

None

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Core audience includes students and professionals with background and interest in astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields

Can complement studies of students and researchers in astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields

Can be relevant to professionals in the aerospace and related industries

Taught by Professor Shoji Torii from Waseda University and researchers from around the world, recognized for their work in cosmic ray research

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe with these activities:

Review astrophysics concepts

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Refresh your knowledge of astrophysics concepts to provide a strong foundation for understanding high-energy cosmic rays.

Browse courses on Astrophysics

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Review basic astrophysics concepts such as the properties of stars, galaxies, and the universe.
Understand the concepts of cosmic rays, their origin, and their propagation.

Explore the 'CALET' project website

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Provides additional information about the CALET project and its mission.

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Visit the CALET project website
Review the project overview and mission objectives

Attend a webinar on 'Cosmic Rays and Dark Matter'

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Provides an opportunity to learn from experts and engage with the scientific community.

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Identify and register for a relevant webinar
Attend the webinar and take notes

Four other activities

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Participate in a study group with classmates

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Facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support.

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Find or form a study group with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss course material and work on assignments together

Solve cosmic ray propagation problems

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Practice solving problems related to cosmic ray propagation to deepen your understanding of their behavior and characteristics.

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Find and solve practice problems on cosmic ray propagation.
Analyze the results of your solutions and compare them with theoretical expectations.

Follow tutorials on dark matter research

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Enhance your understanding of dark matter research by following guided tutorials and exploring related resources.

Browse courses on Dark Matter

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Identify and access reputable tutorials on dark matter research.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises provided.
Explore additional resources and materials related to dark matter.

Organize and review course notes, assignments, and other materials

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Improves organization, strengthens retention, and prepares for future reference.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Organize materials into a logical structure
Review materials regularly

Career center

Learners who complete Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Particle Physicist

Particle Physicists study the fundamental particles that make up matter and the forces that act between them. They use particle accelerators and other instruments to conduct research on the smallest building blocks of the universe. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Science Writer

Science Writers write about science and technology for a variety of audiences, including the general public, students, and other scientists. They use their knowledge of science to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging way. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. They use a variety of methods to conduct research, including experiments, simulations, and theoretical calculations. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Physicist

Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature and how they apply to the physical world. They use a variety of methods to conduct research, including experiments, simulations, and theoretical calculations. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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University Professor

University Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They teach students about a variety of subjects, including science, engineering, and medicine. They also conduct research to advance their field of study. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Middle School Science Teacher

Middle School Science Teachers instruct and motivate middle school students in the study of science. They teach students about the fundamental principles of science, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and help them to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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High School Physics Teacher

High School Physics Teachers instruct and motivate high school students in the study of physics. They teach students about the fundamental principles of physics, such as mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, and help them to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Accelerator Operator

Accelerator Operators use a variety of specialized equipment, including particle accelerators, to conduct research in various fields of science, such as physics, chemistry, and biology. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties of astronomical objects and phenomena, such as stars, galaxies, and black holes. They use telescopes and other instruments to collect data and make observations, and then analyze the data to learn more about the universe. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Astronomer

Astronomers study the universe and everything in it, from planets and stars to galaxies and black holes. They use telescopes and other instruments to collect data and make observations, and then analyze the data to learn more about the universe. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Cosmologist

Cosmologists study the origin and evolution of the universe. They use telescopes and other instruments to collect data and make observations, and then analyze the data to learn more about the universe. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapists use radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, build, and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. They also conduct research on nuclear energy and develop new nuclear technologies. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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X-ray Technician

X-ray Technicians use X-rays to take images of the inside of the body. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to help diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. The course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may be useful for this role as it provides a foundation in the study of high-energy cosmic rays and their potential connection to dark matter.

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Elementary School Teacher

Elementary School Teachers instruct and motivate young students in a variety of academic subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. They also provide guidance and support to help students develop their social and emotional skills. While the course Cosmic Rays, Dark Matter, and the Mysteries of the Universe may not be directly related to the subject matter taught by Elementary School Teachers, it may be useful for those who wish to teach science at the elementary level.

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