Why Japan is Hollowing Out a Mountain
The B1M・7 minutes read
A $600 million science experiment, the Hyper Kamiokande, is being constructed in Japan as the largest neutrino observatory globally, with a dome structure reinforced by a steel truss to support the weight of the rock above. The project aims to detect neutrinos through a 260 million-liter water tank with 40,000 light sensors, set for completion in 2026, showcasing the impact of particle physics on medical advancements and technology.
Insights
- The Hyper Kamiokande, a $600 million project in Japan, will house the world's largest neutrino observatory, using a massive water tank lined with concrete to detect neutrinos through Cherenkov radiation, aiming to be fully operational by 2027.
- Construction of the Hyper Kamiokande involves blasting through 71 meters of rock to create a cavern 681 meters below a mountain peak, showcasing the meticulous planning and engineering required for this ambitious scientific endeavor, emphasizing the importance of ideal conditions for neutrino detection in advancing particle physics and its applications.
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Recent questions
What is the Hyper Kamiokande project?
The Hyper Kamiokande project is a $600 million science experiment being constructed in Japan to create the largest neutrino observatory globally. It involves excavating a 2 km access tunnel and blasting through 71 meters of rock to create a cavern 681 meters below a mountain peak.
How is the Hyper Kamiokande cavern constructed?
The cavern for the Hyper Kamiokande observatory is created by blasting through 71 meters of rock, lining it with two layers of concrete and a waterproof layer. It will then be filled with 260 million liters of water to create the world's largest water tank for detecting neutrinos.
When will the Hyper Kamiokande project be completed?
The Hyper Kamiokande project is expected to be fully completed in 2026, with 40,000 light sensors acting as a giant camera to detect neutrinos. Experiments are set to commence by 2027, showcasing the impact of particle physics on medical advancements and technology.
What is the purpose of the Hyper Kamiokande observatory?
The Hyper Kamiokande observatory aims to detect neutrinos through Cherenkov radiation using a massive water tank. It will enable experiments to study neutrinos, showcasing the significant impact of particle physics on medical advancements and technology.
How deep is the Hyper Kamiokande cavern located?
The Hyper Kamiokande cavern is situated 681 meters below the mountain peak in Japan. It provides ideal conditions for spotting neutrinos due to the rock's density, making it a prime location for the observatory.
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Summary
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"Hyper Kamiokande: World's Largest Neutrino Observatory"
- A $600 million science experiment, the Hyper Kamiokande, is being constructed in Japan, set to be the largest neutrino observatory globally, with a height of 88 meters and width of 69 meters.
- The project began in 2021, with a 2 km access tunnel excavated in 9 months using a drill and blast technique, leading to the creation of a dome structure reinforced by a steel truss to support the weight of the rock above.
- The construction involves blasting through 71 meters of rock to create a cavern for the observatory, situated 681 meters below the mountain peak, providing ideal conditions for spotting neutrinos due to the rock's density.
- The cavern will be lined with two layers of concrete and a waterproof layer before being filled with 260 million liters of water, creating the world's largest water tank, essential for detecting neutrinos through Cherenkov radiation.
- The Hyper Kamiokande is expected to be fully completed in 2026, with 40,000 light sensors acting as a giant camera to detect neutrinos, enabling experiments to commence by 2027, showcasing the significant impact of particle physics on medical advancements and technology.
