Elusive neutrinos’ mass just got halved — and it could mean physicists are close to solving a major cosmic mystery
Physicists have halved the maximum possible mass of neutrinos, the “ghost particles” essential to our understanding of the universe, which could greatly impact the Standard Model of particle physics. This breakthrough from the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment could provide clues that challenge long-held theories and reshape our cosmic perspective.
Key Points
- The KATRIN experiment has determined the maximum mass of neutrinos to be 0.45 electron volts, nearly half the previous limit.
- This major finding may challenge the current Standard Model of particle physics, which suggests neutrinos should be massless.
- Neutrinos are incredibly prevalent, with billions passing through our bodies every second, yet they interact so minimally that they’re hard to detect.
- Studying neutrinos could enhance our understanding of the universe, potentially explaining why matter exists at all.
- The results were published in the journal Science on April 10, 2025.
Why should I read this?
If you’re curious about the universe and the fundamental particles that make it up, this article is a must-read! Not only does it touch on cutting-edge science, but it also hints at potential shifts in our entire understanding of physics. Dive in to see how these tiny particles could hold the key to solving one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology!
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