AMS Detector on ISS Uncovers Unexpected Cosmic Ray Surplus

New findings challenge existing theories about cosmic ray formation, revealing more deuterons than predicted.

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) on the ISS detected an unexpected excess of cosmic rays made of deuterons.
Data from May 2011 to April 2021 shows surprising discrepancies in deuteron flux ratios.
Above 4.5 GV rigidity, the deuteron-to-helium-4 flux ratio does not follow expected patterns.
At rigidities above 13 GV, deuteron flux aligns closely with primary cosmic ray protons.
An upcoming AMS upgrade aims to enhance measurement accuracy and refine cosmic-ray theories.