The newly detected neutrino, called KM3-230213A, has an incredible energy of 220 peta-electronic (PEV), making it one of the most powerful basic particles ever detected. Its energy was about 100 million times more energy than visible photons, and about 30 times the highest neutrino energy previously detected.
Visual impressions of ultra-high energy neutrino events observed in KM3NET/ARCA. Image credit: km3net.
Cosmic neutrinos are generated near or along cosmic ray propagation pathways, leading to the generation of secondary unstable particles, which then collapse into neutrinos.
Cosmic rays interacting in the Earth's atmosphere generate atmospheric neutrinos that form the experimental background of cosmic neutrinos.
Monitor a huge amount of neutrino observatory to detect space neutrinos. Cherenkov Light It is induced by the passage of charged particles due to neutrino interactions within or near the detector.
“This high-energy neutrino is extremely rare and makes it a monumental discovery,” says Professor Miroslav Filipovich of Western Sydney University.
“This finding represents the most energetic neutrinos ever observed, providing evidence that such high energy neutrinos are being produced in the universe.”
“Detecting such extraordinary particles brings us closer to understanding the most powerful forces that shape our universe.”
Detection of KM3-230213a is KM3NET Telescopephotoelectron-filled tubes are used to capture light from charged particles generated when neutrinos interact with the detector.
“KM3NET's research infrastructure consists of two detector arrays of optical sensors deep in the Mediterranean,” the physicist said.
“The ARCA detector is located approximately 3,450 m deep off the coast of Portopalo Di Capo Passero in Sicily, Sicily, Italy, and is connected to the INFN coastal station, Nazionali Del Sud using electro-optic cables.”
“ARCA's geometry is optimized for research into high-energy cosmic neutrinos.”
“The ORCA detector is located at a depth of approximately 2,450 m in France's offshore Toulon and is optimized for studying neutrino oscillations.”
“Both detectors are under construction, but they are already working.”
The KM3-230213A event recorded light of over 28,000 photons, providing clear trajectories and compelling evidence suggesting the cosmic origin of the particles.
“KM3NET can reconstruct neutrino trajectories and energy,” says Dr. Luke Burns of Western Sydney University.
“To create neutrinos like these, like explosive stars and super-large black holes, requires extreme cosmic conditions.”
“The work of following up on the radiotelescope, like the Australia Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder, helps unlock their secrets.”
The researchers concluded that it is difficult to clearly determine its origin based on a single neutrino.
Future observations will focus on constructing clearer images of such events in order to construct clearer images of such events.
“The energy of the KM3-230213A event is much greater than the energy of neutrinos detected so far,” the scientists said.
“This suggests that neutrinos may be derived from a different cosmic accelerator than low-energy neutrinos, or this could be the first detection of cosmicogenic neutrinos. Universe.”
Team's paper Published in the February 12th issue of the journal Nature.
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KM3NET collaboration. 2025. Observation of ultra-high energy cosmic neutrinos using KM3NET. Nature 638, 376-382; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08543-1
Source: www.sci.news
