Antimatter in Nature

Another place where positrons are observed is in nuclear decay. Some radioactive materials undergo what is called beta decay. When this happens, a proton is converted into a neutron, which stabilizes the nucleus. The specifics of beta decay are not particularly crucial to understanding antimatter, so we won't go into detail. What matters for us is that in the decay process, a positron is emitted from the nucleus. Antimatter is produced regularly in nature by this process. [1]

Out of This World

Antiprotons, as mentioned before, are also found in nature. Out in the vastness of space, complex processes can result in the production of these particles, which are then found in cosmic rays entering our atmosphere. These particles are incredibly few. We'll talk more about them when we discuss some of the more advanced problems antimatter gives us.[1]

Image of the VERITAS radiotelescope display

Picture above, the VERITAS Radiotelescope array in Arizona[3]

References

[1] Howard Matis. (August 9, 2000). Beta Decay. In Guide to the Nuclear Wall Chart. Retrieved March, 2013, from http://www.lbl.gov/abc/wallchart/chapters/03/2.html

[2] Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes Create Antimatter

[3] Veritas. (Producer). (n.d.). Veritas and building. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://veritas.sao.arizona.edu/