Fermilab Experiment Catches Neutrino Shot from 500 Miles Away

Scientists have witnessed their first evidence of oscillating neutrinos, taking a huge step forward in particle physics. The new findings confirm that the extraordinary detector built for the project not only functions as planned but is also making great progress toward its goal of a major leap in our understanding of these particles.

This particular experiment is the NOvA experiment. Its main aim is to learn more about the abundant yet mysterious particles called neutrinos. These particles fly through ordinary matter as if it weren't there.

The first results from NOvA verify that the massive particle detector, which stands 50 feet tall, 50 feet wide and 200 feet long, is sitting in the perfect spot to detect neutrinos that are fire from 500 miles away. The researchers have sorted through millions of cosmic ray strikes and zeroed in on neutrino interactions.

"People are ecstatic to see our first observation of neutrino oscillations," said Peter Shanahan, NOvA co-spokesperson of the U.S. Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, in a news release. "For all the people who worked over the course of a decade on the designing, building, commissioning and operating this experiment, it's beyond gratifying."

Researchers have collected data aggressively since February 2014, recording neutrino interactions in the 14,000-ton far detector while construction was still underway. This allowed the collaboration to gather data while testing systems before starting operations with the complete detector in November 2014, shortly after the experiment was completed on time and under budget.

The neutrino beam generated at Fermilab passes through an underground near detector, which measures the beam's neutrino composition before it leaves the Fermilab site. The particles then travel more than 500 miles straight through Earth, no tunnel required, oscillating along the way.

When a neutrino bumps into an atom in the NOvA detector, it releases a signature trail of particles and light depending on which type it is. The scientists can, for example, measure how many muon neutrinos disappear over their journey and reappear as electron neutrinos.

"The rapid success of the NOvA team demonstrates a commitment and talent for taking on complex projects to answer the biggest questions in particle physics," said Nigel Lockyer, Fermilab director. "We're glad that the detectors are functioning beautifully and providing quality data that will expand our understanding of the subatomic realm."

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