The Oh My God Particle

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Referenced Videos:
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

Previous Episode:
Telescopes on the Moon

Cosmic rays aren’t actually rays at all, but atomic nuclei traveling at close to the speed of light. Typically they are low in energy and are easily deflected by other particles, but on rare occasions an incredibly powerful atomic nuclei strikes the Earth’s surface. The largest of these was the Oh My God Particle.

Written and Hosted by Matt O’Dowd
Produced by Rusty Ward
Graphics by Kurt Ross

Comments answered by Matt:

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[azraelle]

If I had the ability to accelerate a particle to near-light speed and shoot it at Earth, I'd aim it at Utah too.

And I live here.

[NavarroRefugee]

Imagine getting smacked by an individual atom so hard you have a concussion.

[nerva]

This channel leaves me:

1. Mostly confused
2. Acutely aware of the limits of my own intelligence.
3. Wanting more

[Ryukachoo]

9:00
when it's near the end and you're subconsciously trying to piece together when he's going to say "spacetime"

[TheBienator]

prediction: WTF particle within the next 10 years

[dwigtschrude]

I love how he described it having the energy of a stone thrown at your head at 50 mph even though it’s trajectory toward your head has nothing to do with the energy of the stone. Now that’s how you make science even more fun

[theColJessep]

CAT paticle: 0eV, doesn't move all day.

[laytonrupp]

i wish i could see redshifted light with the naked eye. but that would be a STRETCH.

[akshatsaxena]

Last time I was this early, electromagnetic and weak interactions were the same

[mplites]

I'm so amazed we detected a single nucleas but not the MH370

[MichaelKilmanAuthor]

I am an anthropologist, but I absolutely love this channel and everything you are doing. You are also awesome at translating difficult topics in an easy to understand format. In fact, shows like your inspired me to start a YouTube channel on Anthropology to help educate people on the social sciences. Thank you for all you do!

[georgeconnett]

Can you talk about negative mass please?

[Clickmasterk]

The Graphics are fun on these. You really have a good crew with this show all aspects are just the right amount of production for a fun and informative show.

[freehat]

"having any type of underwear on was a major victory" My daily mantra.

[uss_]

Finally, someone got him a decent fitting shirt!

[OmegaGodBahamut]

Thank you much for all the effort and research you put into your page full size Peter Dinklage.

[cobrajeff]

Thank you for these excellent videos. Been watching for more than a year now. I hope this never goes away.

[Ferhat]

One of the best videos of the channel so far. Keep up the amazing work!

[SupLuiKir]

What would've happened to an unlucky sap struck in the head by that OMG particle?

[SB-frpl]

@0:31 A stoned nursery school teacher in a german kindergarten with bad behaving hyperactive children:

nein nein nein, nein nein nein, nein nein nein, nein nein nein, nein nein nein, nein nein nein, nein nein nein...