Neutron Decay Diagram (IMAGE)

Durham University

Neutron Decay Diagram

Caption

Artist's schematic of how MESSENGER provided data to estimate neutron lifetime. Cosmic rays striking Venus' atmosphere eject neutrons that gradually fly into space. As neutrons move to higher altitudes, more time passes, and more neutrons radioactively decay. MESSENGER counted the number of neutrons "seen" at various altitudes, allowing researchers to home in on where neutron numbers start falling off. Using models, researchers can then estimate the neutron lifetime.

Credit

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, USA.

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