2. A strong enough magnetic field will cause less cosmic radiation to reach a cosmic ray detector than a physical shield of lead.

3. The strikes observed on our cosmic ray detector are the result of high speed, charged particles striking Earth’s atmosphere and creating a cascade of particles and radiation. The strikes observed on our cosmic ray detector are the result of high speed, charged particles striking Earth’s atmosphere and creating a cascade of particles and radiation.

4. The Hypothesis was tested by recording strikes during ten sample periods of five minutes each. The first test was conducted with no shielding, the second with a shield of lead plating and the third with three magnets, one positioned over each of the three openings.

5. Magnets Scintillator Paddles Photomultiplier Tube Circuit Board

6. Unshielded Lead Barrier Magnetic Field Trial Count ± Error 1 479 ± 95.8 434 ± 20.8 43 ± 6.6 2 458 ± 91.6 498 ± 22.3 48 ± 6.9 3 493 ± 98.6 760 ± 27.6 61 ± 7.8 4 492 ± 98.4 827 ± 28.8 50 ± 7.1 5 510 ± 102 762 ± 27.6 38 ± 6.2 6 501 ± 100.2 515 ± 22.7 42 ± 6.5 7 465 ± 93 524 ± 22.9 53 ± 7.3 8 519 ± 103.8 496 ± 22.3 72 ± 8.5 9 472 ± 94.4 510 ± 22.6 58 ± 7.6 10 474 ± 94.8 505 ± 22.5 47 ± 6.9

11. Why did the lead shielding yield higher results? High energy rays cause a particle showerHigh energy rays cause a particle shower The lead was not radioactive.The lead was not radioactive.

12. -The thickness of the lead and the magnetic field coverage was not uniform. -The calibration of the detector -The time of day varied among the trials -Human error -Magnetic interference

13. Based on our results, a magnetic field causes less cosmic radiation to be detected than a 2 mm lead shield.Based on our results, a magnetic field causes less cosmic radiation to be detected than a 2 mm lead shield. Deflected or not detected?Deflected or not detected?

14. Special Thanks to Dr. Beers, Dr. Schatz, Dr. McHarris, Dr. Coshow, Dr. Duguet, Dr. Starosta, Dr. Benenson, David McCreight, the grad students, and the rest of the staff at NSCL and JINA for their hospitality and this wonderful opportunity to play with radioactivity.