Which of the following is a type of cosmic radiation?

Cosmic radiation refers to high-energy particles that originate from outside of Earth's atmosphere. The correct answer, which identifies radiation from the sun as a type of cosmic radiation, is based on the understanding that the sun emits a form of radiation known as solar radiation. This includes not just light, but also charged particles like protons and electrons, particularly during solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

While the Earth does produce its own radiation, such as terrestrial radiation from radioactive materials in the soil and rocks, this does not qualify as cosmic radiation, which specifically comes from outer space. Additionally, radiation from nuclear waste originates from human-made processes and is not a form of cosmic radiation. Similarly, radiation from medical devices, such as X-ray machines, is produced locally and is not related to cosmic sources. Thus, the association of radiation from the sun with cosmic radiation is fundamentally accurate because it originates from celestial activities distinct from terrestrial sources.