Neutrino Astronomy - Scientific Problems of Neutrino Astronomy

Scientific Problems of Neutrino Astronomy

  • Solar neutrino problem - In detecting solar neutrinos, it became clear that the number detected was half or a third than that predicted by models of the solar interior. The problem was solved by revising the properties of neutrinos and understanding the limits of the detection mechanisms - only one third of the forms of neutrinos coming in was being detected and all neutrinos oscillate between the three forms.
  • Cosmic neutrino background - (CNB) is the background particle radiation composed of neutrinos as a relic of the big bang which decoupled from matter when the universe was 2 seconds old.
  • Hot dark matter - since many neutrinos come from stellar cores and supernovae, they are released at great temperature/energy. As neutrinos do not interact with matter electromagnetically, they are by definition dark matter.
  • Warm dark matter - possibly so called sterile neutrinos.

Read more about this topic:  Neutrino Astronomy

Famous quotes containing the words scientific, problems and/or astronomy:

    Superstition? Who can define the boundary line between the superstition of yesterday and the scientific fact of tomorrow?
    Garrett Fort (1900–1945)

    I respect guilt. It is a dangerous but sometimes useful beast. The guilt that made me want to solve all my children’s problems meant trouble. The guilt that made me question my role in our mother-daughter squabbles proved helpful. Yes, I care about my kids’ problems, and I long to make suggestions. But these days I wait for children to ask for help, and I give it sparingly. Some things can’t be fixed, and I tell them so.
    Susan Ferraro (20th century)

    It is noticed, that the consideration of the great periods and spaces of astronomy induces a dignity of mind, and an indifference to death.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)