A cosmic ray detector telescope for use in informal and formal education settings

We have developed an orientable cosmic ray telescope based on scintillating tile and waveshifting optical fiber technology for hands-on laboratory use and for interactive public displays. The device is sensitive to ionizing radiation and is composed of four individual scintillating tiles into which are embedded double-clad optical fibers doped with waveshifter dye. These fibers are coupled to photomultiplier tubes (PMT). The telescope is mounted on an adjustable (rotatable) structure to allow the measurement of the cosmic ray rate as a function of angle relative to the zenith. This motion is controlled by the user through a computer-controlled stepper motor. The readout system allows data to be collected and uploaded to the Web enhancing the interactive experience and for follow-up analysis.