It turns out that particles from space and the atmosphere that have collected at one 4,600-year-old Egyptian pyramid might hold learnings on how the huge monuments were assembled.
Researchers from multiple countries plan to analyze sub-atomic particles called muons, some of which result from cosmic-ray particles. The origins of such materials are still mysterious.
The muons were gathered on plates left by researchers in Egypt's Bent Pyramid last month, as Mehdi Tayoubi, president of the Heritage Innovation Preservation Institute, according to the Associated Press.
The team's idea is to learn from accumulations of the particles. For instance, they go through empty spaces but can be drawn into or turned away by harder surfaces. The hope is that the patterns may show more about how the pyramid was constructed, after being ordered by the Pharaoh Snefru.
"For the construction of the pyramids, there is no single theory that is 100 percent proven or checked. They are all theories and hypotheses," said Hany Helal, the institute's vice president said, as the AP reported.
The new analysis is part of the Scan Pyramid project, which began in October. It will put together cosmic particles, 3D scanning and infrared thermography to bring forth information on pyramid construction, without affecting the physical structure of the edifices, said the group.
The team believes that scans may show hidden chambers that haven't yet been discovered.
"Even if we find one square meter void somewhere, it will bring new questions and hypotheses and maybe it will help solve the definitive questions," Tayoubi said, according to the AP article.
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