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Particles from space provide a new look inside cyclones

Muons from cosmic rays might lead to a new tool for understanding the weather

Photo of Typhoon Hinnamnor from space as it swirls in the western Pacific Ocean.

Typhoon Hinnamnor swirls in the western Pacific Ocean on August 31. Subatomic particles from space could offer a new way to peer inside such storms.

NASA

By James R. Riordon

Particles raining down from space offer 3-D views inside swirling tropical storms.

Muons created from cosmic rays that smash into Earth’s upper atmosphere have revealed the inner workings of cyclones over Japan, researchers report October 6 in Scientific Reports.