Cosmology Lunchtime Seminar

The Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search (MINOS) is a long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment designed to make a precision measurement of delta m**2 (2-3). Cosmic ray muons are a source of background for such an experiment, but they are an isotropic data source with many calibration and scientific uses. MINOS has measured the atmospheric muon charge ratio to very high precision, as well as the seasonal variation in underground muon rate. New models describing both physical effects have been developed, and both are shedding new light on K-pi in cosmic ray airshowers. The shadow of the moon is an important analysis to establish the resolution and absolute pointing capability of a cosmic ray detector, and it can also be used to put limits on the anti-matter content of cosmic ray primaries.