Astronomy with ultra high-energy particles

Understand

Recent measurements of the properties of cosmic rays above 10^17 eV are summarized and implications on our contemporary understanding of their origin are discussed.

• Cosmic rays with energies exceeding 10^20 eV have been measured, they are the highest-energy particles in the Universe.
• Particles at highest energies are expected to be only marginally deflected by magnetic fields and they should point towards their sources on the sky.
• Recent results of the Pierre Auger Observatory have opened a new window to the Universe - astronomy with ultra high-energy particles.