After more than nine years of meticulous construction, China’s Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) has completed its main body as of Wednesday and is set to commence operation next year. Situated 700 meters beneath the ground in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, the observatory is poised to become a beacon for cutting-edge research in particle physics.
JUNO boasts the world’s largest transparent spherical detector, designed to capture elusive neutrinos—subatomic particles often referred to as “ghost particles” due to their weak interaction with matter. These particles hold the key to unraveling fundamental mysteries about the universe’s tiniest components and its vast expanse.
The observatory is housed within a 44-meter-deep cavern, featuring a stainless steel mesh shell 41 meters in diameter. Encased within is an organic glass sphere measuring 35.4 meters across. Surrounding this core are 45,000 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs)—sensitive devices capable of detecting the faintest flashes of light produced when neutrinos interact with the liquid scintillator inside the detector.
With the installation of the PMTs completed, JUNO is entering its final preparation phase. The primary objective of the observatory is to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy, a fundamental question in particle physics. By studying neutrinos that pass through the detector and interact with the scintillator, scientists aim to gain unprecedented insights into the properties of these particles, which could have profound implications for our understanding of the universe.
Global Significance
The completion of JUNO signifies a major milestone not only for China but also for the international scientific community. The facility will serve as a hub for researchers worldwide, fostering collaboration and advancing knowledge in the field of neutrino physics.
By pushing the boundaries of technology and engineering, JUNO exemplifies China’s growing contributions to global scientific endeavors. Its operation is anticipated to attract scientists, investors, and enthusiasts interested in the latest developments in physics and astronomy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
