MARIACHI is an experiment that makes use of cutting edge
grid computer technology to gather and analyze experimental data collected over a wide
geographic area. Located at high schools, colleges and
national laboratories, MARIACHI
data acquisition computers gather data locally and securely upload data while preserving information integrity to the main server located at
Stony Brook University. This experimental topology was chosen for the search of temporal coincidences between radar return signal and particle detection from a
cosmic ray shower. A positive answer would vindicate
radar technology as viable for the detection of ultra high energy cosmic rays over very large areas. MARIACHI data acquisition sites will simultaneously collect digital data from unconventional sensors that measure terrestrial electric and magnetic field, ultrasound, infrasound, and lightning. Correlation between these parameters can be used to study a number of basic scientific problems that probes the influence of
cosmic rays on terrestrial weather and their susceptibility on e.g. solar weather. MARIACHI takes full advantage of forefront software development to implement a data analysis strategy for all
participants. Innovative tools where science projects can be submitted to computer farms for analysis will be available to a large number of participants. MARIACHI is a collaborative effort that involves a diverse group of people located at large distances. For this reason MARIACHI implements the use of asynchronous and synchronous collaborative tools to exchange information. Tools such as secure email, secure wiki and blog are being used to create a common MARIACHI knowledge database. MARIACHI's strategy for science investigation involves teams of scientists, teachers and students working on a research subject.
To help promote the experiment, we will hold three different contests with the goal of producing visual material for MARIACHI. The graphics art will help explain the experiment's goals visually in the two first contests and the school's role on the third. The three contests are: T-Shirts, Posters and Wiki. The goals, rules and prizes are described below.
