Science Past for September 8, 1962

NEW METHOD USES CRYSTAL TO DETECT COSMIC RAYS — A new method for detecting the cosmic rays that continuously bombard the earth from outer space has been developed. The technique of using a crystal to catch the tracks of cosmic rays, already showing its worth on earth, will be tried from an earth satellite this fall…. The method devised under the direction of Dr. Lawrence M. Slifkin of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C., uses a large crystal of silver chloride, which is chemically similar to the silver bromide of usual photographic emulsions. The silver chloride darkens when hit by a cosmic ray.