China's Underground Lab Investigates Major Physics Mysteries and Discoveries

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in China's southern Guangdong province is set to commence operations, marking a significant milestone in particle physics research. This $300 million facility, located 700 meters (approximately 2,300 feet) underground, features a giant sphere encased in a 12-story cylindrical pool of water, equipped with thousands of light-detecting tubes designed to study elusive subatomic particles known as neutrinos.

Neutrinos are produced during nuclear reactions and are known for their tiny size and mass, as well as their ability to pass through matter, including human bodies, at incredible speeds. It is estimated that trillions of neutrinos pass through every person every second. One of the objectives of JUNO is to identify the three known types of neutrinos and determine which varieties are the lightest and heaviest. Such discoveries could provide insights into the subatomic processes that occurred during the universe's infancy and shed light on why matter exists as it does.

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The observatory will collect data on neutrinos emitted from two nearby nuclear power plants in Guangdong, with data collection expected to last up to six years. In addition to capturing information from these power plants, JUNO will also observe neutrinos generated by the sun, offering researchers a real-time perspective on solar processes. Furthermore, the observatory aims to study neutrinos released from the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium within the Earth, thereby enhancing our understanding of geological processes, including mantle convection and tectonic plate movements.

JUNO is anticipated to become operational in the latter half of 2025, positioning it ahead of the larger Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) currently being developed in the United States, which is projected to be completed around 2030. This timeline is significant in the competitive field of neutrino research, especially as funding dynamics have shifted due to recent tensions between the U.S. and China.

Funding for U.S. institutions collaborating on JUNO was abruptly cut in 2018-2019 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which redirected focus toward DUNE. This decision halted joint efforts previously established between U.S. and Chinese researchers, contributing to rising Sino-American tensions over various issues, including technology transfer and trade. In contrast, the JUNO project continues to receive support from various international collaborators, including institutions from France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and even Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.

Despite the geopolitical landscape, scientists involved in the JUNO project emphasize their commitment to focusing on scientific advancements over political disagreements. A notable collaboration persists with one U.S. group funded by the National Science Foundation, which recently renewed its support for the project for an additional three years.

JUNO's research will rely on its 600 metric ton spherical detector, which will capture neutrino data from the surrounding environment and transmit the findings electronically to Beijing. Additionally, the data will be shared with collaborating institutions in Russia, France, and Italy, ensuring that the research remains transparent and accessible to all partners involved.

Given the sensitive nature of data integrity, particularly in light of China's 2021 legislation regarding data usage and storage for national security, JUNO has established protocols to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis. Two independent teams will verify the findings, enhancing reliability and consistency before publication.

Ultimately, the work conducted at JUNO has the potential to yield groundbreaking discoveries in the field of particle physics, advancing our understanding of fundamental questions about the universe and the behavior of matter. The scientific community remains hopeful that international collaborations, such as those formed through JUNO, will continue to foster positive exchanges between nations, despite broader political tensions.