Neutrinos

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Dec 7;96(25):14201-2. doi: 10.1073/pnas.96.25.14201.

Abstract

Neutrinos represent a new "window" to the Universe, spanning a large range of energy. We discuss the science of neutrino astrophysics and focus on two energy regimes. At "lower" energies ( approximately 1 MeV), studies of neutrinos born inside the sun, or produced in interactions of cosmic rays with the atmosphere, have allowed the first incontrovertible evidence that neutrinos have mass. At energies typically one thousand to one million times higher, sources further than the sun (both within the Milky Way and beyond) are expected to produce a flux of particles that can be detected only through neutrinos.

MeSH terms

  • Astronomical Phenomena
  • Astronomy*