Signatures of extra dimensions in ultra high energy cosmic rays

Abstract:

Cosmic rays at ultra high energies seem to be on the verge of confronting fundamental particle physics. After a brief introduction to the origin, propagation and detection of cosmic rays, I will explain why the highest energy cosmic ray events present a major challenge to our current understanding of Astrophysics/Particle Physics. I will discuss how the low scale gravity models provide an explanation for these puzzling events. I will also discuss how these models can be tested by future observations of ultra high energy cosmic rays.