Muon puzzle in ultra-high energy EASs according to Yakutsk array and Auger experiment data

Abstract

The lateral distribution of particles in extensive air showers from cosmic rays with energy above $10^{17}$ eV registered at the Yakutsk complex array was analyzed. Experimentally measured particle densities were compared to the predictions obtained within frameworks of three ultra-high energy hadron interaction models. The cosmic ray mass composition estimated by the readings of surface-based and underground detectors of the array is consistent with results based on the Cherenkov light lateral distribution data. A comparison was made with the results of direct measurement of the muon component performed at the Pierre Auger Observatory. It is demonstrated that the densities of muon flux measured at Yakutsk array are consistent with results of fluorescent light measurements and disagree with results on muons obtained at the Auger array.

14 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables. Accepted for publication in JETP Letters

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• Revision of the energy calibration of the Yakutsk EAS array
• Energy Spectrum of Ultrahigh-Energy Cosmic Rays according to Data from Ground-Based Scintillation Detectors of the Yakutsk EAS Array
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Cited by in corpus (3)

• A Direct Comparison of Muon Measurements at the Yakutsk Array and the Pierre Auger Observatory
• The puzzle of composition of cosmic rays with energies (2-12.5) EeV according to muon detectors data of the Yakutsk EAS array
• Measuring the muon content of inclined air showers using AERA and the water-Cherenkov detectors of the Pierre Auger Observatory