cosmic radiation
Streams of high-energy particles and electromagnetic radiation from outer space, consisting of electrons, protons, alpha particles, light nuclei, and gamma rays, which collide with atomic nuclei in the Earth's atmosphere and produce secondary nuclear particles (chiefly mesons, such as pions and muons) that shower the Earth. Space shuttles carry dosimeter instruments to measure the levels of cosmic radiation.
Cosmic radiation of lower energy seems to be galactic in origin, while that of high energy is of extragalactic origin. The galactic particles may come from supernova explosions or pulsars. At higher energies, other sources must exist, possibly the giant jets of gas that are emitted from some galaxies.
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