'Ghost particles' from space telescope wins physics Nobel
Summary
Professor Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for leading the creation of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. This observatory detects special particles from space called neutrinos, which help scientists learn about powerful events in the distant universe.Key Facts
- Francis Halzen is a Belgian physicist who helped build the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.
- IceCube uses a cubic kilometer of Antarctic ice with light sensors to detect neutrinos.
- Neutrinos are tiny particles that pass through matter almost without interaction.
- The observatory looks for high-energy neutrinos from distant galaxies, not just those from the Sun.
- When a neutrino hits the ice, it causes a flash of light that sensors can detect.
- These neutrinos reveal information about violent cosmic events that normal telescopes can’t see.
- Halzen first proposed the idea for IceCube in 1988.
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences praised Halzen’s vision and leadership in this project.
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