Preliminary Results for HERA: High-altitude Engineering for Research in Astrophysics

Cosmic radiation offers an invaluable resource for environmental monitoring. When high-energy cosmic rays collide with the Earth's atmosphere, they produce a cascade of secondary particles. Among these particles, muons play a vital role in revealing atmospheric changes, particularly in the stratosphere, as variations in their intensity correlate with shifts in temperature and pressure. This makes muon flux measurements a useful tool for studying atmospheric dynamics. In this research, we present muon flux data collected using two Cosmic Watch detectors, deployed on separate high-altitude balloons launched from the same location as part of the HERA project.

HERA is a collaborative initiative between Drexel physics, Drexel engineering, and high school students, fostering teamwork across disciplines to advance astrophysics research. Our first test launch, conducted in October 2024, enabled real-time data collection focusing on particle flux measurements and muon tracking. This project not only contributes to scientific research but also inspires students through engagement in a time-sensitive project with concrete deliverables. Looking forward, HERA aims to expand its collaboration nationally and internationally, driving both scientific discovery and educational outreach.