Scientists detect ghost particles transforming from Carbon into Nitrogen

SNOLAB SNO+ neutrino observatory. (Image: SNOLAB)

Solar neutrinos, the Sun’s elusive “ghost particles”, have finally been caught changing atoms. Scientists have directly observed these particles transforming carbon into nitrogen, confirming long-standing theoretical predictions in particle physics.

Researchers observed solar neutrinos transforming atoms for the first time directly. A neutrino emitted from the Sun collided with a carbon-13 nucleus. This interaction converted carbon-13 into radioactive nitrogen-13.

The process had been predicted by theory but never directly observed. Scientists describe the phenomenon as real-world neutrino-driven atomic alchemy. It marks a milestone in experimental particle and nuclear physics.

The event was recorded deep beneath Earth’s surface at SNOLAB. The surrounding rock blocks cosmic rays that could mimic false signals. This shielding allows scientists to isolate extremely rare particle interactions. Only a handful of laboratories worldwide offer such controlled conditions.

Scientists working at the SNO+ neutrino observatory made the breakthrough discovery. The finding emerged after analysing 231 days of continuous observation data. Researchers carefully filtered background noise from genuine neutrino events. Multiple verification steps were completed before announcing the results publicly.

The experiment operates inside SNOLAB, a research facility located 2 kilometres underground in Canada. This depth provides one of the quietest environments on Earth for particle physics. An international collaboration of physicists and engineers analysed the data together.

The team has spent years refining techniques to detect elusive neutrino signals. Their work builds on decades of global neutrino research and theoretical predictions.

Neutrinos barely interact with matter, making them incredibly difficult to study. Directly observing atomic transformation confirms fundamental particle physics theories. The result improves understanding of nuclear reactions occurring inside the Sun. It also provides a new way to probe neutrino properties experimentally. Such measurements help refine models of stellar energy production.

Scientists plan to continue monitoring solar neutrino interactions over longer periods. More data will help measure how often such atomic transformations occur. Researchers aim to refine detector sensitivity to capture even weaker neutrino signals. Future upgrades may allow detection of additional neutrino-induced nuclear reactions.