Figuring out where high-energy neutrinos come from is one of the biggest problems in astrophysics today
Is black hole all over your mind after watching the lately-released sci fi film Interstellar? If yes, here is something new about the region of spacetime that has amazed the scientists and might amaze you as well.
A new study has now revealed that the giant black hole at the centre of the Milky Way may be producing some mysterious particles. The emission of these particles, known as neutrinos, may contribute to the understanding of the source of high-energy cosmic rays in the space as figuring out where high-energy neutrinos come from is one of the biggest problems in astrophysics today.
Neutrinos are tiny particles that carry no charge and interact very weakly with electrons and protons. Unlike light or charged particles, neutrinos can emerge from deep within their cosmic sources and travel across the universe without being absorbed by intervening matter.
The Earth is constantly bombarded with neutrinos from the sun. However, neutrinos from beyond the solar system can be millions or billions of times more energetic.
According to a report in Astronomy.com, the evidence for this came from three NASA satellites that observe in X-ray light: the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Swift gamma-ray mission, and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.