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News Release 15-023
High-energy partnership
U.S., Mexico join together to detect gamma rays, probe universe's most energetic phenomena
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The High Altitude Water Cherenkov observatory sits high on the slopes of Pico de Orizaba and Sierra Negra, near Puebla, Mexico, at an altitude of 4,100 meters. It will help scientists probe the universe's most energetic phenomena.
Credit: Jordan Goodman, HAWC Collaboration
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The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory will study high-energy cosmic and gamma rays. HAWC consists of 300 tanks, each filled with about 50,000 gallons of extra-pure water. As cosmic and gamma rays enter the earth's atmosphere and pass through the tanks, they emit flashes of light called "Cherenkov" light. HAWC's tanks are equipped with detectors that capture this light, which can be used to help us learn more about our universe.
Credit: Jordan Goodman, HAWC Collaboration
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