96: Space Particles Probe Pyramids

A very different story this week: using high-energy particles, originating from violent supernovae and supermassive black holes, to scan the insides of the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Physicists are teaming up with Egyptologists to check some tantalising results from 2017 thaty suggest there just might be a previously unknown cavity — an open space — inside the Great Pyramid. Could it be a new, hidden room? A vault filled with ancient treasure? Or just somewhere they kept all the heating ducts and old pain cans? Plus, Syzygy is officially setting the agenda for astronomy research, and Emily unwraps some baby presents!Syzygy Merch! Get it at the store.Help us make Syzygy even better! Tell your friends and give us a review, or show your support on Patreon: patreon.com/syzygypodSyzygy is produced by Chris Stewart and co-hosted by Dr Emily Brunsden from the Department of Physics at the University of York.On the web: syzygy.fm | Twitter: @syzygypodThings we talk about in this episode:·      The oldest galaxy ever found·      Get your Syzygy merch here·      ScanPyramids misson in 2017·      Explore Great Pyramid mission·      The Pyramids of Giza·      The Great Pyramid·      Cosmic rays·      The solar wind·      Active Galactic Nuclei·      Cosmic rays causing havoc in computers·      Muons and relativity·      Air showers of particles·      The IceCube neutrino detector·      Brian Cox makes a cloud chamber