The Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina

Cosmic ray particles with energies above 1020 eV have surprisingly been found in several experiments. The detection of these rare particles requires large area detectors and long lasting experiments. Full sky coverage is needed for a successful investigation. The Auger Collaboration plans to build two large area observatories - one in each hemisphere. The construction for the northern site in Colorado, USA, will start in 2009. The southern observatory with 1600 particle detectors and 24 fluorescence telescopes located near Malargue, Mendoza, Argentina is at present nearing completion. (orig.)