Deep down under a granite mountain in southern Chinaa huge detector tries to reveal the secrets of the universe. This futuristic observatory is designed exclusively to detect neutrinos, the particles that the scientists they call ‘particles – ghosts“, As they are not affected by electromagnetism, they have an interesting and exotic behavior and cannot be detected.
No one yet knows exactly what the neutrons are or how they work. The hope is that the new Chinese laboratory, costing $ 300 million, will provide answers to questions fundamental to understanding the structure of the universe.
Particles from the Big Bang
The neutrons exist from the birth of the universe. Trillions pierce our body every second. They sprout from stars such as the sun or are produced in collisions of individuals in particle accelerators.
They cannot be identified immediately, they are only visible when colliding with other particles, creating tiny light flashes or charged particles. Conflicts are extremely rare, which makes the giant experiments.
The Jiangmen Observatory
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (Juno), built in the city Kaipingit took over nine years to complete. Mounted 700 meters below the earth, it is protected by cosmic rays and radiation that would alter the measurements.
Its heart is a huge acrylic sphere, filled with a special liquid that is illuminated when a neutrient passes. It is powered by particles from two nearby nuclear plants. This sphere is surrounded by a cylinder containing 45,000 tonnes of pure water for extra protection.
Needs with protons with protons inside are expected to cause about 50 flashes a day.
The Great Challenge: The Mass Hierarchy
Juno is designed to solve one of the greatest mysteries of physics: the classification of the three “flavors” of neutrinos, from the lightest to heavier.
“We will find out the hierarchy of neutrinos mass“, Wang Yfang by Chinese Academy of Sciences. “With this we will be able to better build the model of particle physics, cosmology and nature of the neutrons themselves“
But the process is not easy. Scientists estimate that it will take about six years and at least 100,000 recorded flashes for statistical reliable results.
Similar projects are in progress in Japan (Hyper-Kamiokande) and at USA (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment), with the aim of putting in operation in 2027 and 2031 respectively. They will cross the Chinese findings with different methods.
Because it matters
The neutrons, though almost invisible, exist from the beginning of the year. Their study can illuminate how the universe evolved and expanded, but also respond to one of the greatest riddles: why the material dominated the universe, while the antimatter almost disappeared.
As Professor Kate Skolberg notes from Duke University: “Neutrons are part of the big picture“
Source :Skai
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