Cosmic rays are electromagnetic waves of extremely short wavelength consisting of high energy charged particles that are produced by the sun, the stars and various galaxies outside the solar system. The nature of the charges and the high velocities of these particles attribute to their wave nature.They comprise of 89% protons, 9% helium and 2% heavy nuclei. These are known as the primary cosmic rays.These primary particles collide with the nuclei of the air resulting in the production of secondary particles known as electron positrons and mesons. At sea level 70% of these particles are mesons, 9% electron positrons and the remaining consist of heavy particles.
The thick atmosphere acts as a natural blanket that protects us from the harmful effects of these cosmic rays.
