Measurements of cosmic rays at the highest energies with the Pierre Auger Observatory

Abstract

This paper summarizes the status and the recent measurements from the Pierre Auger Observatory. The energy spectrum is described and its features discussed. We report searches for anisotropy of cosmic ray arrival directions on large scales and through correlation with catalogues of celestial objects. We also present the search for anisotropies in the data without the use of astronomical catalogues. The first measurement of the proton-air cross section around 10^{18} eV is discussed. Finally, the mass composition is addressed with measurements of the variation of the depth of shower maximum with energy and with the muon density at ground.

Prepared for a special topical issue of Advances in Space Research (ASR) entitled "Cosmic Ray Origins: Viktor Hess Centennial Anniversary". Presented at COSPAR 2012, Mysore, India