A recent proposal by scientists from Seoul National University and Ewha Woman’s University suggests that a newly detected ultra-high-energy cosmic ray (UHECR) might be the elusive electroweak monopole. This groundbreaking hypothesis, published in the journal Physics Letters B, has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of particle physics and the fundamental forces of the universe.
Led by Professor Yongmin Cho and Dr. Franklin Cho, the research builds on the recent detection by the Telescope Array Group (TAG) of a UHECR with extraordinary energy levels. This detection, along with earlier findings, challenges existing particle physics theories, as the observed energies exceed what is theoretically possible. The UHECR’s apparent origin from the Local Void, an area with few known astronomical objects, adds to the mystery and intrigue of this discovery. For these reasons the UHECR particle has been called “Oh My God Particle” or “Amaterasu (the Supreme Goddess in Japanese myth) Particle”.
Professor Cho stated, “Our most important conclusion is that the UHECR observed by the Telescope Array could be the remnant electroweak monopole produced in the early universe during the electroweak phase transition.” This hypothesis offers a compelling explanation for the origin of these extraordinarily energetic particles.
The electroweak monopole, a theoretical particle, is predicted to have several unique characteristics that make it a prime candidate for the UHECR. Unlike protons, which interact strongly with the cosmic microwave background, the electroweak monopole retains its energy and could travel vast distances without significant energy loss. The researchers argue that the magnetic charge of the electroweak monopole and its interaction with intergalactic magnetic fields could account for the observed UHECR energies.
To confirm this hypothesis, the researchers propose enhancing the TA experiment with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) to measure the magnetic charge of the detected UHECR particles. This direct measurement would provide crucial evidence supporting the existence of electroweak monopoles.
The significance of discovering an electroweak monopole extends beyond explaining UHECRs. It would serve as a critical test of the Standard Model of particle physics, verifying its predictions about the unification of electromagnetic and weak forces. Additionally, electroweak monopoles could have profound implications for cosmology, potentially explaining the origin of intergalactic magnetic fields, dark matter, and the large-scale structure of the universe.
Professor Cho and his colleagues highlight the importance of further experimental and theoretical work to explore the properties and implications of electroweak monopoles. The discovery of these particles would mark a milestone in our quest to understand the universe’s most fundamental building blocks.
Journal Reference
Cho, Y.M., & Cho, F.H. (2024). Has telescope array discovered electroweak monopole? Physics Letters B, 851. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2024.138598
