Discovery of a ‘ghost particle’ with unprecedented energy

Scientists have detected an ultra-high-energy neutrino, a rare ‘ghost particle’, that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos. Researchers at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, using data from the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT)—a deep-sea observatory in the Mediterranean Sea—identified a neutrino carrying 30 times more energy than any previously observed.

The discovery, one of only a few hundred ultra-high-energy neutrinos ever detected, was published this month in the journal Nature.

A new frontier in astrophysics

“This is the first time that we’ve measured the highest-energy neutrino, and the energy we’re talking about is 100 million billion times that of visible light,” said Dr. Satyendra Thoudam, assistant professor at Khalifa University’s Department of Physics, as quoted by The National.

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Neutrinos are formed in extreme cosmic events such as supernovae or black hole collisions. Unlike other particles, they have a small but nonzero mass, no electric charge, and can travel at nearly the speed of light. Their elusive nature has earned them the nickname “ghost particles”, as they barely interact with matter—even if a human were a neutrino detector, it would take a century for a single particle to interact with their body.

Unlocking cosmic mysteries

Because neutrinos can travel vast distances without interference, they offer a unique tool to study deep space and high-energy astrophysical phenomena. Scientists believe they hold the key to unlocking the origins of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and understanding how these particles propagate through the universe.

“This discovery has opened a new window on the universe. It also provides a new way to study ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and their journey across space, one of astrophysics’ most fundamental challenges,” Dr. Thoudam added.

A step closer to solving cosmic puzzles

This milestone detection underscores the growing role of neutrino observatories like KM3NeT in advancing space research. As astrophysicists continue to push the boundaries of discovery, neutrinos could soon help unravel the deepest mysteries of the cosmos—from the origins of high-energy cosmic rays to the hidden workings of the most extreme environments in the universe.

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