Ultra-high Energy Cosmic Rays: a probe into New Physics

Abstract

The most energetic particles ever detected exceed $10^{20}$ eV in energy. Their existence represents at the same time a great challenge for particle physics and astrophysics, and a great promise of providing us for a probe of the validity of the laws of Nature in extreme conditions. We review here the most recent data and the future perspectives for detection of cosmic rays at ultra-high energies, and discuss possible ways of using these data to test the possibility that new Physics and/or new Astrophsyics may be awaiting around the corner.Comment: Invited Review Talk at SpacePart 2002, La Biodola, Isola d'Elba, Italy - May 14-19, 200