These tiny particles can provide insights into Sun's core
What's the story
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have proposed that neutrinos, the elusive particles produced during nuclear fusion, could give real-time insights into the Sun's core activities.
This innovative approach could improve our understanding of solar activity and its influence on space weather and Earth's climate conditions.
The study suggests that these nearly massless particles could provide a more direct way of studying the Sun's inner workings than current theoretical models.
Neutrino detection
Neutrinos: A new tool for solar research
Traditionally, scientists have depended on the Standard Solar Model (SSM) to predict how the Sun's core would change over time.
However, this new study suggests using neutrinos as a tool for solar research.
The solar core constantly emits these particles due to fusion reactions, and some of them reach Earth.
The authors suggest that underground observatories on our planet could detect these neutrinos and use them to monitor the Sun's internal activity more directly than ever before.
Information carrier
Window into the Sun's core
Neutrinos are unique as they carry information about the medium and its properties when they pass through something, even the Sun.
As these particles travel through different materials in the Sun, they change from one type to another in a process called oscillation.
These oscillations are affected by the density of materials in the Sun. By studying these changes at different energy levels, scientists can learn about the solar density structure beyond traditional models.
Speed advantage
Neutrinos vs photons: A race against time
Neutrinos provide a major advantage over photons for studying the Sun's environment.
While photons can take centuries to escape the dense solar core, neutrinos pass through almost instantly, giving real-time insights into deep solar activities.
This speed advantage makes neutrinos a valuable tool for understanding the Sun's internal processes and predicting solar activity more accurately.
Future research
Awaiting results from upcoming neutrino experiments
Despite the promising potential of neutrinos, it remains unclear how much we can learn about the Sun's density structure from them.
Existing neutrino experiments have provided valuable insights, but more data is needed for precise measurements.
Upcoming experiments such as the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in China and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) in the US are expected to provide further information on this topic.