A muon is a fundamental particle similar to an electron, with an electric charge of -1 and a much greater mass. It is classified as a lepton and is produced in high-energy processes, such as cosmic ray interactions in the atmosphere. Muons are unstable and decay into other particles, typically within microseconds.
These particles play a crucial role in various experiments and applications in particle physics. For instance, they are used in muon tomography to image the interiors of large structures, such as volcanoes and pyramids. Their unique properties make them valuable for advancing our understanding of the universe.