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Researchers Seek Ghost-Like Particles Deep in Lake Superior
Researchers will lower five sensor frames to the lakebed to separate a Fermilab neutrino beam from cosmic background particles.
- On Thursday, researchers from the University of Minnesota-Duluth will begin lowering five 33-foot-tall sensor frames to the floor of Lake Superior to detect neutrinos generated by the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory's particle beam.
- Neutrinos are elusive 'ghost particles' that rarely interact with matter; since 2005, Fermilab has aimed a particle beam at Minnesota, marking the first time such detectors deploy in a freshwater lake.
- The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's 238-foot research vessel, the Neil Armstrong, arrived in Duluth to transport the frames; each weighs about 8,000 pounds and holds 18 spherical sensors designed to detect faint blue Cherenkov light.
- Sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, the project explores fundamental questions while DARPA program manager John Bruzzese noted, "we don't have a specific application in mind."
- Lead investigator Alec Habig stated, "This is our last chance," as the team races to gather data before the Fermilab beam shuts down early next year.
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Duluth News Tribune+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
Researchers seek ghost-like particles deep in Lake Superior
With specialized sensors, scientists hope to intercept a beam of particles shot through the earth from Chicago. If successful, it would be the first time artificial neutrinos are detected underwater.
·Cherokee County, United States
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A new scientific mission launches in Duluth: Hunting ‘ghost particles' in Lake Superior
An ocean research vessel is installing underwater sensors on the floor of Lake Superior this week to detect neutrinos — tiny particles that may hold clues on the origins of the universe and could also have military applications.
·Saint Paul, United States
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Project in Lake Superior seeks to find and better understand mysterious cosmic particles
University and government researchers are conducting experimental testing to observe interactions between so-called ghost particles known as neutrinos on the bottom of Lake Superior.
·Madison, United States
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left1Leaning Right6Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
C 56%
R 38%
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