Perspectives of cosmic ray research

A brief outline of the advances made in the field of cosmic rays since 1912 to date is given. The observations made and results obtained on both the primary and secondary components of cosmic radiation are summarized. Results obtained on the characteristics of ultrahigh energy nuclear interactions from cosmic ray studies are discussed. Some of the outstanding problems that remain unanswered hitherto and require further investigation are mentioned. A few typical and illustrative ingenious approaches that are in an advanced stage of planning or execution and which give some idea of the type of future research endeavours in this area are considered. (K.B.)