Underwater Detectors of Cosmic Particles Emerge in the Mediterranean Sea

In an effort to uncover the secrets of the cosmos, scientists are embarking on an ambitious project: building underwater neutrino telescopes in the Mediterranean. These devices will detect high-energy neutrinos that could reveal new insights into the universe.

Deploying a Unique Telescope

Physicists are braving weeklong voyages and rough waters to deploy the telescopes’ detectors. Onboard a ship in the Mediterranean Sea, workers prepare launching equipment for the installation of the underwater neutrino telescope KM3NeT. This Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope consists of two telescopes made up of glass baubles arranged on vertical cables.

How It Works

Each strand dangles in the water like a pearl necklace, with glass spheres packed with photomultiplier tubes (gold circles). During deployment campaigns, scientists must be at the absolute top of their game. Every second on the ship costs approximately $1, says Biagi. “If you lose one hour doing stupid things, this has an impact on the cost.”

The Challenges

Weary from sleeping odd hours, perhaps seasick, they must make critical decisions if something goes wrong, be it with the devices or unfavorable weather. A crane on the ship slowly lowers each strand to the seabed, while a remotely operated submersible vehicle plunges down to make connections and inspect the equipment.

The Rewards

Once a strand is planted in the forest, there’s no adjusting of screws or fiddling with connections. “It’s like sending something to the moon,” Biagi says. Everything must be in perfect working order at the outset. Researchers are already using the partially completed telescopes for science, searching for effects of quantum gravity on neutrinos and measuring neutrino oscillations.

A Unique Collaboration

The KM3NeT collaboration includes researchers from various institutions worldwide. Together, they aim to uncover new insights into the universe through their underwater neutrino telescope.