Scientists have detected anomalous radio waves emanating from beneath Antarctica’s ice, contradicting current particle physics laws. The ANITA experiment, launched between 2006 and 2016, picked up unusual signals that should not exist according to our understanding of neutrinos.
Researchers are baffled by the origin of these signals, which appear to have passed through thousands of miles of rock before reaching the detector. The radio waves were detected coming from below the horizon, suggesting they originated from deep within the Earth’s interior. However, this is impossible according to current theories.
A follow-up analysis conducted by the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina has not been able to replicate the findings. Scientists believe that larger, more sensitive detectors may be necessary to solve the mystery or prove whether the signals were a fluke.
The search for neutrinos can help astronomers better understand cosmic rays and their sources. Neutrinos interact with water and ice but have almost no mass and can pass through extreme environments unchanged. The ANITA experiment was designed to detect high-energy neutrinos, which could shed light on mysterious cosmic rays.
However, the anomalous signals detected by ANITA cannot be explained by current particle physics laws. Researchers are optimistic that larger detectors may be able to solve the mystery or provide more information about these enigmatic signals.
Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/51333303/signals-detected-from-antarctic-ice-seem-to-defy-laws-of-physics-scientists-search-for-answer