Seven decades ago, researchers proved the “impossible” was possible.
First predicted in 1930, neutrinos were thought to be completely undetectable. Despite being the second most abundant particle in the universe, trillions pass through you every second without a trace. But in 1956, scientists did the impossible: they caught the ghost particle.
As we celebrate this anniversay, we reflect on seven decades of chasing the universe’s most elusive particles. From those first historic experiments to the massive detectors we build today, the journey of discovery is only just beginning.
Explore this page dedicated in highlighting the legacy of discovery, cutting-edge science and the future of neutrino research.
Follow Fermilab on social media and engage with the #Neutrino70 campaign to discover stories, milestones and breakthroughs from seven decades of neutrino research.
Featured content
Fermilab’s Vishvas Pandey elected to co-lead international neutrino research collaboration
As NuSTEC co-spokesperson, Pandey will advance precision for next-generation neutrino experiments, including the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment hosted by Fermilab.
Linda Cremonesi elected as co-spokesperson for NOvA neutrino experiment
Physicist Linda Cremonesi has been elected co-spokesperson of the NOvA collaboration, helping lead one of the world’s premier experiments studying neutrinos and their properties.
Fermilab marks major milestone for world-leading DUNE experiment
Crews began lowering detector components underground for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, advancing construction of one of the world’s largest neutrino research projects.
Mark Ross‑Lonergan elected co-spokesperson for MicroBooNE collaboration
MicroBooNE, with its large neutrino detector at Fermilab, has completed its data-taking period and will now proceed with analysis under new leadership.
DUNE will use liquid-argon time projection chamber technology both near and far
The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment’s hybrid near detector will improve precision in neutrino research. Years of prototyping have refined its liquid-argon chamber and data tools.
DUNE scientists observe first neutrinos with prototype detector at Fermilab
Scientists working on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment recorded the first neutrino interactions with a prototype detector at Fermilab, marking a key step toward full-scale operation.
A timeline of neutrino history and discovery
Neutrino: an idea is born
(Pauli)
The neutrino is named
(Fermi)
First neutrino detected
(Cowan, Reines)
Neutrino oscillations predicted
(Pontecorvo)
Neutrinos shown to be left‑handed at Brookhaven National Lab
Muon neutrino discovered at BNL (Lederman, Schwartz, Steinberger)
Solar neutrinos detected at Homestake Gold Mine (Davis)
CERN’s Gargamelle experiment observes weak neutral currents
Tau neutrino predicted
Supernova 1987A neutrinos detected (Kamiokande-II). Neutrino astronomy begun
Lederman, Schwartz and Steinberger awarded Nobel Prize for nu_mu discovery
Reines awarded Nobel Prize for nu_e discovery
Super-Kamiokande finds first nu_mu oscillation evidence, proving that neutrinos have mass
Tau neutrino discovered by the DONUT collab at Fermilab
Davis and Koshiba awarded Nobel Prize for detection of cosmic neutrinos
Geoneutrinos observed by KamLAND
IceCube neutrino reveals cosmic-ray origin
Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility breaks ground at Fermilab
First underground blasting begins for the international DUNE at LBNF
Neutrino shorts
A journey in photos
Helpful resources to download
Check out these resources below to learn more about neutrinos. Share your coloring sheets on social media by tagging @Fermilab and including #Neutrino70.
