Deep within the Mediterranean Sea, a neutrino with an unprecedented energy level has been detected. This particle may have originated beyond our galaxy, possibly as a result of a collision between black holes.
Researchers at the particle physics center in Marseille discovered that this particle possesses an energy of 120 peta-electronvolts (PeV) — 30 times greater than the previous record holder. This finding could enhance our understanding of the most catastrophic events in the universe, including black hole mergers.
Neutrinos are subatomic particles that interact very little with matter, earning them the nickname "ghost particles." They can traverse cosmic distances without altering their nature, making their study invaluable for exploring processes in the far reaches of the universe.
To detect neutrinos, arrays of detectors are used, submerged in water or ice. It was such a device, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope, that captured the record particle on February 13, 2023.
The neutrino left a trace in the detector in the form of a bright line caused by muon particles. Initially, scientists doubted the accuracy of the measurements, as the telescope was only 10% operational at the time. However, thorough analysis confirmed the particle's record energy.
It is remarkable that the detected neutrino is tens of times more powerful than the record previously noted by the Antarctic IceCube observatory. This also significantly exceeds the energy levels of particles produced in the Large Hadron Collider.
Scientists believe that this particle originated from beyond the Milky Way, yet its exact source remains a mystery. It is known that high-energy neutrinos can be formed during supernova explosions, black hole mergers, or other extreme events in the universe.
The KM3NeT team plans to enhance the telescope to track similar particles and identify their sources. If they manage to detect another neutrino, it will mark a significant step toward unraveling cosmic mysteries.
Previously, "Telegraph" reported on what would happen to a person if they were sucked into a black hole. Scientists even created a video simulation.