Solar neutrino problem

The solar neutrino problem was a major discrepancy between measurements of the neutrinos flowing through the Earth and theoretical models of the solar interior, lasting from the mid-1960s to about 2002. The discrepancy has since been resolved by new understanding of neutrino physics, requiring a modification of the Standard Model of particle physics. Essentially, if neutrinos do have mass, then they can change from the type that had been expected to be produced in the sun's interior into a type that would not be caught by the detectors in use at the time.

Related Topics:
Neutrino - Earth - Solar - 1960 - 2002 - Standard Model - Particle physics

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The sun is a natural nuclear fusion reactor, fusing hydrogen to helium. Our current understanding of physics is quite clear about what happens: four hydrogen nuclei (protons), with and without the help of catalysts, are transformed into helium, neutrinos, and energy. The energy is released as gamma rays and as kinetic energy of the particles, including the neutrinos — which travel from the sun's core to Earth without any appreciable absorption by the sun's outer layers.

Related Topics:
Sun - Nuclear fusion - Hydrogen - Helium - Proton - Catalyst - Neutrino - Gamma ray - Kinetic energy

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