NEWS: A recent study showed that ground-based space particle detectors can track Earth's weather and solar storms in real timeà highlighting the importance of the GRAPES-3 Muon Telescope.

ABOUT

• GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy at PeV EnergieS)à High-altitude cosmic-ray observatory.
• Operated by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
• Located in Ooty.
• Commissioned in 2000.
• Developed through collaboration between India and Japan.
• Houses the world's largest tracking muon telescope.

KEY FEATURES

• Studies cosmic muons produced when cosmic rays interact with Earth's atmosphere.
• Detects billions of muons daily.
• Serves as a ground-based tool for monitoring:
• Upper atmospheric changes
• Solar magnetic activity
• Space weather events

IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

Atmosphere–Muon Link

• Higher atmospheric temperatures cause the atmosphere to expand.
• Fewer low-energy muons reach the Earth's surface.
• Lower muon count indicates a warmer upper atmosphere.

Solar Magnetic Field–Muon Link

• Stronger solar magnetic fields block more cosmic rays.
• Fewer cosmic rays produce fewer muons.
• Muon count decreases when solar magnetic activity increases.

Data Analysis

• Uses Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and other mathematical techniques.
• Filters seasonal and solar-cycle effects to obtain accurate observations.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Provides real-time monitoring of space weather and climate-related atmospheric changes.
• Enhances understanding of Sun–Earth interactions.
• Supports research in cosmic rays, atmospheric science, and solar physics.

Demonstrates how particle physics can contribute to climate and weather studies