Planet-sized Detectors for Ultra-high Energy Neutrinos & Cosmic Rays

Abstract

Extragalactic astronomy with photons ends at ~0.1 PeV, but we know there are astrophysical sources for seven more decades of energy beyond this. To probe the highest energy sources and particles in the universe, new messengers, such as neutrinos, and detectors with planet-sized areas are required. This note provides a glimpse of the possibilities.

2 pages, 1 figure; white paper submitted for inclusion in the NASA Advanced Planning Office's Capability Roadmap Public Workshop, Nov. 30, 2004