Cosmic-ray air shower

What you are seeing: a high-energy cosmic ray (proton, helium, carbon, or iron) enters the upper atmosphere at energy $E_0$ and triggers a cascade. Particles are color-coded: cyan = electromagnetic, red = hadronic, yellow = muons. The right panel shows the Gaisser-Hillas longitudinal profile $N(X)$ with shower maximum marked

Figure 1. 3D cosmic-ray air shower in atmospheric column + Gaisser-Hillas longitudinal profile. Method: Heitler cascade + Gaisser-Hillas N(X).

primaryp

log10 E_0 (eV)18.0

depth progress1.00

animation speed2

zenith angle0°

WHAT TO TRY

Vary each control and watch the rail readouts respond.
Compare the diagnostic plot against the live scene.