A neutrino detector submerged in the Mediterranean Sea has detected a ghost particle that is 30 times more energetic than the previous recordholder. Scientists believe it may have come from outside the Milky Way galaxy, but its exact source remains unknown. Neutrinos are tiny particles produced by stars and stream through our bodies every second, but are difficult to spot due to their small mass.
To detect neutrinos, scientists measure what happens when they collide with matter. Two years ago, a similar neutrino was detected and its energy estimated. The newly detected particle is expected to provide new insights into the universe’s highest-energy processes.
The discovery could suggest that more energetic neutrinos exist than initially thought. Physicists caution that it’s too early to determine the source of the particle, but say it’s an exciting finding that may reveal more about the universe.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/high-energy-neutrino-ghost-particle-c8177a5eabdcab2fd045d92e872e1fb1