News Alert: Scientists detect ghostly neutrinos from a distant galaxy, ushering in a new era of astronomy

A neutrino — a subatomic particle so tiny and difficult to detect that it is nicknamed a "ghost particle" — has been traced to its origin in a distant galaxy 4 billion years ago. The neutrino was detected at the South Pole, where 5,200 sensors are buried a mile beneath the ice as part of a project built for the purpose of pinpointing the origin of neutrinos. It's the first time scientists have matched a high-energy neutrino to its source. The breakthrough could lead to neutrinos being used to help refine our understanding of the fundamental rules of physics.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     News Alert Jul 12, 11:01 AM     Scientists detect ghostly neutrinos from a distant galaxy, ushering in a new era of astronomy A neutrino — a subatomic particle so tiny and difficult to detect that it is nicknamed a "ghost particle" — has been traced to its origin in a distant galaxy 4 billion years ago. The neutrino was detected at the South Pole, where 5,200 sensors are buried a mile beneath the ice as part of a project built for the purpose of pinpointing the origin of neutrinos. It's the first time scientists have matched a high-energy neutrino to its source. The breakthrough could lead to neutrinos being used to help refine our understanding of the fundamental rules of physics. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2018 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071