Deploying Cosmic Ray Detectors in Classrooms and Around the World

Georgia State University (GSU) has developed a low cost cosmic ray detector that can easily be deployed around the world for monitoring the dynamic changes in space and terrestrial weather. The detectors consist of scintillating tiles with embedded wavelength shifting fibers that direct the scintillation light from each tile to a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM). Muons from cosmic rays are detected as a coincidence between the three scintillator tiles which are positioned in an aluminum frame. A Raspberry Pi is used to log the coincidence between the tiles and transfer the data to a GSU server. The data is then shared via a website which also plots the local temperature and atmospheric pressure. The gLOWCOST (global low-cost) cosmic ray detector network already encompasses more than ten detectors around the world. In Fall 2024, we installed a detector at a high school in Atlanta. This talk will present how the students utilized the detector in projects to advance their STEM related skills and make connections between space weather and our environment as well as our plans to connect with students around the world.