GRAPES-3 Muon Telescope

Why in News?

Recently, A study proved that ground-based space particle counters can now track Earth's weather and solar storms in real-time, making climate and space research much stronger.

GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy at PeV EnergieS) Observatory

• A high‑altitude observatory tracks cosmic muons (particles formed when cosmic rays hit the atmosphere).
• Scientists measure how changes in upper‑atmosphere temperature and the Sun’s magnetic field affect the number of muons (tiny particles) that reach Earth’s surface
• It has counted billions daily to study the upper atmosphere and the Sun’s magnetic field, making it a unique ground tool for climate and solar weather monitoring.

Positive Observation – Atmosphere Link

• Shows a direct link between upper‑atmosphere temperature and muon counts.
• Warmer atmosphere, it expands outward resulting in fewer low-energy muons reaching ground.
• Therefore, lower muons mean a warmer upper atmosphere, i.e. Muon count directly reflects temperature changes.

Negative Observation – Solar Magnetic Field Link

• Shows an inverse link between Sun’s magnetic field and muon counts.
• Stronger solar field blocks more cosmic rays, so only fewer muons detected.
• So, a stronger solar magnetic shield means low muon counts, i.e. Muon counts inversely reflects solar magnetic strength.

Neutral Observation – Stable Baseline

• Scientists applied Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and repititive algorithms to separate signals.
• Seasonal and solar cycle effects are filtered out using mathematical tools.

Reference

Researchmatters | Grapes-3