Creating a plant-based cosmic ray detector using outdoor plant boxes is an innovative and accessible way to explore cosmic rays at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Materials Needed:

- Outdoor plant boxes (preferably wooden or plastic)

- Geiger-Müller tube or a simple radiation sensor (optional for enhanced detection)

- Soil and fast-growing plants (e.g., sunflowers or beans)

- Waterproof casing for electronics (if using sensors)

- Data logger or smartphone app for recording observations

2. Setup Process:

- Fill the plant boxes with soil and plant your chosen seeds. Ensure they receive adequate sunlight and water.

- If using a sensor, place it near the plants and connect it to a data logger or smartphone to track radiation levels.

- Cosmic rays interact with the atmosphere, producing secondary particles that can be indirectly detected by observing plant growth anomalies or sensor readings.

3. Monitoring and Analysis:

- Regularly monitor plant growth patterns, as cosmic rays may cause subtle mutations or growth variations.

- Compare sensor data (if available) with known cosmic ray activity charts to identify correlations.

- Document your findings over weeks or months to observe trends.

4. Enhancements:

- For better accuracy, pair your setup with a cloud chamber or a low-cost particle detector.

- Join citizen science projects to share your data and contribute to larger cosmic ray studies.

This DIY project blends gardening with science, offering a unique way to study cosmic phenomena in your backyard. Whether for education or curiosity, it’s a rewarding experiment for all ages.