IPMU Colloquium

Speaker: Aya Ishihara (Chiba University)
Title: Exploring the Unseen Universe with Neutrino Astronomy
Date (JST): Wed, Dec 13, 2023, 15:30 - 17:00
Place: Lecture Hall
Abstract: Let's contemplate what the universe looks like, beyond the reach of telescopes that capture electromagnetic waves. It turns out that there are incredibly powerful particles in the universe that are beyond the capability of Earth-based accelerators to produce. These particles are believed to be generated through extreme astrophysical phenomena, although the precise production mechanisms are still a subject of debate.

While photons are absorbed by background light and matter, neutrinos, also generated by the interactions of these high-energy particles, enable direct observation, as they have the ability to travel great distances without losing information about their point of origin. Consequently, neutrino astronomy is considered a pivotal tool for conducting multi-messenger observations of these extreme phenomena. In this talk, we will delve into how scientists utilize the "IceCube" detector, a massive apparatus situated at the South Pole, to study these neutrinos and enhance our understanding of the most extreme objects in the universe.