Science Analysis Group
Cross Sections for Cosmic Rays
The Cross Sections for Cosmic Rays Science Analysis Group (XS SAG) will compile the status of current and upcoming cosmic-ray space-based and balloon-borne experiments, and the interplay with (nuclear) cross-section measurements on the ground, for interpretation. The XS SAG will have open membership, including members from the PhysPAG, relevant Science Interest Groups, and the broader astrophysics as well as particle and nuclear communities.
About XS SAG
Measurements of Cross Sections to Enhance Our Understanding of the Galaxy Using Cosmic Rays
Cosmic-ray physics in the GeV-to-TeV energy range has entered a precision era thanks to recent data from space-based missions, such as the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station.
Key questions that have to be answered are: Can we reveal dark matter with cosmic rays? Where are Galactic cosmic rays synthesized and accelerated? How can we refine and expand the cosmic ray transport model? Can we go beyond the standard paradigm for sources?
The poor understanding of nuclear reactions, especially antimatter and secondary-nuclei production, remains a persistent challenge for missions that the community has yet to address to the required level of precision. The interpretation of high-precision cosmic-ray data will have to draw on theoretical and experimental astroparticle physics, as well as high-energy and nuclear physics, and allow for the study of many Galactic processes that remain elusive.
Summary and Objectives
XS SAG will compile the status of current and upcoming cosmic-ray space-based and balloon-borne experiments, and the interplay with (nuclear) cross-section measurements on the ground, for interpretation. Furthermore, XS SAG will propose the laboratory experimental capabilities and measurements needed to address critical gaps in the existing (nuclear) cross-section data to enhance the outcome of NASA missions significantly. The SAG will deliver the following:
- Overview and Status
- An introduction outlining the motivation, scope, and methodology of the SAG;
- A summary of the current status of cross-section measurements relevant for the interpretation of observational data from cosmic-ray missions, with a focus on measurement, where the interpretation is limited by the lack of sufficient cross-section measurements.
- Overview of Current and Already Planned Experiments and Facilities
- Shortcomings faced by current experimental methods, precision, and mitigation strategies.
- Available and upcoming facilities in the U.S. and elsewhere for cross-section measurements, including their capabilities.
- Future Measurements
- Discuss the laboratory experimental capabilities required to make full use of NASA missions. The motivation for this effort is to significantly enhance the scientific outcomes of in-progress missions like ACE-CRIS (satellite) and AMS-02 (ISS), recently flown missions like GAPS (balloon), and upcoming missions like TIGERISS (ISS).
- Multiple applications: cosmic-ray propagation, Galactic phenomena, antimatter, planetary science, lunar surface probing.
- Prioritization for future cross-section measurements for progressing the accuracy in our understanding of Galactic processes.
- Summary of Projected Impact on the Scientific Output of NASA Missions
The XS SAG will produce a community-vetted report on the questions enumerated above intended to inform preparations for the 2030 Astrophysics Decadal Survey.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to the XS SAG Email List
Community engagement will be conducted through email newsletters and virtual meetings. The SAG will hold regular virtual meetings.
To subscribe, send an email to XS-SAG-join@lists.nasa.gov with Subject="join"
To unsubscribe, send an email to XS-SAG-leave@lists.nasa.gov with Subject="leave"
SAG Chairs
| Name | Institution |
|---|---|
| Philip von Doetinchem | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Priyarshini Ghosh | University of Maryland, Baltimore County/NASA Goddard |
News & Events
Meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, and other news and events.
The Cross Section for Cosmic Rays Science Analysis Group (XS SAG)
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