In a groundbreaking achievement, the Baikal-GVD (Gigaton Volume Detector) neutrino telescope has successfully detected high-energy neutrinos originating from within the Milky Way galaxy. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal, mark a significant step forward in understanding the universe's most elusive particles. This achievement provides valuable insights into the origin and evolution of the cosmos.
Neutrinos, elementary particles with minimal interaction with matter, were first theorized in the 1930s. Observed experimentally in 1956, they are incredibly small and can pass through matter, including cosmic objects, virtually unimpeded. Detecting them is a monumental challenge, yet crucial for astronomical research.
The Baikal neutrino telescope operates on the principle of detecting Cherenkov radiation. This radiation is a flash of light produced when muons, created by neutrino interactions, travel through the water faster than light itself. Located in Lake Baikal at a depth of 1300 meters, the telescope comprises around 4700 optical detectors.
Although the telescope captures only 10-15 high-energy neutrinos annually, these particles hold invaluable information about the universe's processes. Russian scientists collaborate with international colleagues, including those from the IceCube project, to analyze this data. This collaboration enhances our understanding of the universe's deepest mysteries.