Muons are elementary particles similar to electrons but with a much greater mass. They are part of the lepton family and are produced in high-energy processes, such as cosmic ray interactions in the atmosphere. Muons are unstable and decay into other particles, making them an important subject of study in particle physics and cosmology.
These particles can penetrate matter more deeply than electrons, which allows scientists to use them in various applications, including muon tomography for imaging structures like volcanoes and pyramids. Their unique properties help researchers explore fundamental questions about the universe and the forces that govern it.