ABSTRACT
At the present time and indeed ever since the 1950s, the astronomical aspect (including investigations of different variations) has played a dominant role in the study of cosmic rays. This is explained, firstly, by the creation of accelerators with which cosmic rays cannot compete for the purposes of high-energy physics. (I mean, of course, at energies reached by accelerators.) Secondly, the development of both astronomy itself and equipment for the investigation of primary cosmic rays has increased the possibilities of new discoveries in cosmic-ray astrophysics and stimulated interest in the subject. There is hardly any doubt that the situation will remain the same in the foreseeable future and this will be touched upon again at the end of this article.
