A newly discovered cosmic particle, named Amaterasu after the Japanese Sun Goddess, has intrigued scientists around the world. The particle is now considered one of the highest energy cosmic rays ever detected, the researchers said.

An artist’s impression of the discovered cosmic ray. Photo: Osaka Metropolitan University/Kyoto University/Reproduction/ND

Amaterasu has amazing energy: more than 240 EeV (exaelectronvolt). Despite its remarkable feat, it ranks second in human history behind the Oh-My-God particle, which was discovered in 1991 with an energy of 320 EeV.

The origins of this intriguing particle remain unknown, but experts believe that only extremely powerful celestial events, surpassing even stellar explosions, could create them.

Professor Toshihiro Fujii of Osaka Metropolitan University initially expressed surprise at the discovery, suggesting that “there must have been an error” when the particle was first identified.

He emphasized that Amaterasu has demonstrated an unprecedented level of energy over the past three decades.

The mystery deepens as scientists are unable to pinpoint the specific source of Amaterasu.

Professor John Matthews from the University of Utah said that, unlike normal cosmic rays, there was nothing in the area with enough energy to cause this unusual event.

The lightning seems to come from the Void.

The particle appears to have originated from the Local Void, an empty region of space bordering the Milky Way.

Professor Matthews stressed that normally it would be possible to trace the origin of these particles, but in this case there is nothing high enough in energy to explain Amaterasu.

Telescope Array Surface Detectors in Utah – Photo: Nola Taylor Redd/Reproduction/ND

The Telescope Array Observatory, located in Utah, was responsible for discovering this unique particle.

Scientists now hope that Amaterasu’s discovery will pave the way for additional research that could shed light on ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and their mysterious origins.

Experts speculate that this discovery may indicate an unusual magnetic deviation, an unidentified source in the Local Void, or even an incomplete understanding of high-energy particle physics.

Professor John Beltz, also from the University of Utah, expressed his surprise at the situation, admitting that he was “spitting out crazy ideas” in trying to explain the mystery.

He raises the possibility of defects in the structure of space-time or collisions of cosmic strings, although he emphasizes that there is no “traditional explanation” yet.

*According to Sky News.