New Cosmic Ray Observatory May Be Built in Colo., Utah
Posted on: Thursday, 18 December 2003, 06:00 CST
SPRINGFIELD, Colo. (AP) -- The Northern Hemisphere's largest cosmic ray observatory, a $50 million project being assembled by scientists, could be built on the vast open plains of southeastern Colorado.
On moonless nights, the Colorado site that includes parts of Baca, Prowers, Bent and Las Animas counties, "is nice and dark," or perfect for ray-watching, said John Harton.
Harton, an associate physics professor at Colorado State University, said the Colorado site and one in southwestern Utah have been identified as finalists, but it's unclear when the winning site will be picked.
The Colorado site covers about 1,200 square miles of gently rolling grasslands, and if picked could become a magnet for workers, scientists, students and tourists.
The cosmic rays, which are actually incredibly energetic particles, are a mystery to scientists, who don't know whether they come from cosmic explosions or other sources, such as black holes.
To study the rays, observatories have to be located in regions of the country that don't have light spilling over from nearby urban areas.
Construction could begin as early as 2005 on the project that would be a companion to a Southern Hemisphere project, the Pierre Auger Observatory, in western Argentina.
"I was skeptical at first, but the more I learn, the better it sounds," said Bill Wright, a farmer, feedlot operator and Baca County commissioner.
Springfield Town Manager Carol Brown, too, is excited about the observatory. "I think it would be wonderful with schools and scientists coming to visit," she said.
She noted the town has an airstrip, three motels and five restaurants, all of which were used during the construction of more than 100 wind turbines in Prowers County this fall.
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