Cosmic Ray Muons on the Slopes of Mauna Kea

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a study of cosmic ray muon rates and energies at various elevations on Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. The study was originally conceived as an extension to the upper-division modern physics laboratory at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and used the TeachSpin Muon Physics apparatus (abbreviated TSMP below) from that lab. The purpose of this paper is to provide a blueprint for similar experiments appropriate to introductory physics laboratory courses and to make students aware of the variety of investigations possible using this type of apparatus. Plans for future work are outlined in the conclusion.