Title: Early Results from TUS, the First Orbital Detector of Extreme Energy Cosmic Rays,
Abstract: TUS is the world's first orbital detector of extreme energy cosmic rays
(EECRs), which operates as a part of the scientific payload of the Lomonosov
satellite since May 19, 2016. TUS employs the nocturnal atmosphere of the Earth
to register ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence and Cherenkov radiation from
extensive air showers generated by EECRs as well as UV radiation from lightning
strikes and transient luminous events, micro-meteors and space debris. The
first months of its operation in orbit have demonstrated an unexpectedly rich
variety of UV radiation in the atmosphere. We briefly review the design of TUS
and present a few examples of events recorded in a mode dedicated to
registering EECRs.