cosmosstraal
Cosmosstraal is a theoretical concept in astrophysics that describes a hypothetical stream or beam of energetic particles originating from the cosmos. The term "cosmosstraal" is a portmanteau, combining "cosmos" referring to the universe and "straal" meaning ray or beam in Dutch. While not a formally recognized astronomical term, it can be used to describe phenomena such as cosmic rays themselves, or more speculative hypotheses about directed energy transmissions from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. The scientific study of cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles originating from outside Earth's atmosphere, is a well-established field. These particles, primarily protons and atomic nuclei, travel at nearly the speed of light and interact with Earth's atmosphere to create secondary particles. The origin of these cosmic rays is still an active area of research, with sources believed to include supernovae, active galactic nuclei, and other high-energy astrophysical events. The concept of a "cosmosstraal" in a more literal sense, as a focused beam of energy, is more aligned with speculative fiction or theories about interstellar communication. However, the precise nature and existence of such directed energy streams remain unconfirmed by scientific observation.