Neutrinos are something of an enigma wrapped in a subatomic particle. Produced in places like the sun, distant stars and supernovae, they are tiny, invisible and stubbornly hard to detect, mostly passing through the earth. And yet they are the second most abundant particle in the universe.
“This year’s prize highlights a seriously important step in our understanding of the fundamental particles of the universe, and one that has improved our understanding of both particle physics and cosmology," said Robert G.W. Brown, CEO of the American Institute of Physics.
“You can chalk up yet another success for quantum mechanics because without it we would not be able to make sense of the experimental results that have led to this prize," he added. "Once again quantum mechanics and wave interference provided an explanation for oscillatory behavior — this time with mass and previously with photons."
Brown is able for comment on the importance of this discovery to science or society. To reach Dr. Brown, you can email him directly at [email protected] or contact PIO Jason Bardi at +1-240-535-4954 or [email protected].
To help journalists and the public understand the context of this work, AIP is compiling Physics Nobel Prize Resources featuring relevant scientific papers and articles, quotes from experts, photos, multimedia, and other resources. Relevant papers published by the AIP will be made freely available.
The page will be updated throughout the day and can be accessed at https://www.aip.org/science-news/nobel.
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