How uncertain are model predictions for the muon content of extensive air showers

Abstract

The relation of model predictions for muon content of extensive air showers (EAS) to particular properties of hadron-air interactions is discussed. Further, using a new Monte Carlo generator of cosmic ray interactions, QGSb, the relevance of particular interaction mechanisms to the predicted EAS muon number is studied in some detail. The corresponding constraints imposed by accelerator measurements are discussed as well.

Comments: Contribution to the 2026 Very High Energy Phenomena in the Universe session of the 60th Rencontres de Moriond