On August 26, 2025, the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in Guangdong, southern China, marked a major milestone: the filling of 20,000 tonnes of liquid scintillator and the start of formal data collection. Buried 700 meters below ground, JUNO is the world’s first ultra-large, ultra-precision neutrino experiment, designed to capture elusive cosmic particles with unprecedented clarity.
Early performance data show JUNO is exceeding design expectations, delivering crisp signals that could finally unravel one of particle physics’ biggest mysteries: the neutrino mass ordering. By mapping how neutrinos oscillate as they travel through the Earth, scientists hope to determine which neutrino type is heaviest, a key step toward completing the Standard Model puzzle.
Beyond mass ordering, JUNO opens a new window on the universe. From solar neutrinos to bursts from distant supernovae, and from atmospheric interactions to particles originating in the Earth’s core, this experiment promises cutting-edge research in astrophysics and geophysics. As the data stream in, young global citizens, tech enthusiasts, and science fans alike can look forward to a fresh wave of cosmic discoveries.
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World's largest neutrino lab powers up hunting for cosmic clues
cgtn.com
