Theory predicts that when cosmic rays (fast particles coming from outer space) collide with air molecules in the upper atmosphere, they should yield twice as many muon neutrinos as electron neutrinos.

ECONOMIST: Neutrinos

And when the solar wind is stronger, it is better at shielding the earth from high-energy charged particles from outer space known as cosmic rays.

ECONOMIST: Global warming: In flux | The

It will examine neutrons (the electrically neutral components of atomic nuclei) that are ejected from the lunar surface after being bombarded by cosmic rays (energetic particles that constantly streak through space).

ECONOMIST: Divining water

The Sun's magnetic field and solar wind - mainly in the form of electrons and protons coming out of the Sun - protects the entire Solar System by acting as a sort of shield from cosmic rays (very energetic particles and radiation from outer space).

BBC: Viewpoint: The Sun and climate change

Cosmic rays are fast moving subatomic particles and nuclei originating from space that crash into the atmosphere.

BBC: Black hole: A source of 'cosmic bullets'?

It has been detecting a rise in the number of high-energy particles, or cosmic rays, coming towards it from interstellar space, while at the same time recording a decline in the intensity of energetic particles coming from behind, from our Sun.

BBC: Voyager Solar System 'exit' debated

Researchers from the University of Sydney have done some advanced crunching of numbers regarding the effects of FTL space travel via Alcubierre drive, taking into consideration the many types of cosmic particles that would be encountered along the way.

MSN: Warp speed? Slowing down could be a real killer

Using the first completed section of the NOvA neutrino detector, scientists have begun collecting data from cosmic rays-particles produced by a constant rain of atomic nuclei falling on the Earth's atmosphere from space .

ENGADGET: NOvA neutrino detector captures cosmic rays in 3D, aims to unlock the mysteries of the universe