LEAD, S.D. – The next phase in the DUNE Project’s study of neutrinos is underway.
DUNE stands for Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and the town of Lead is the site of the Sanford Underground Research Facility.
The facility is located one mile underground. According to the project manager, they’re now able to start moving detectors into the facility.
A ribbon cutting was held Thursday at the site, where South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says the beginning of quantum particle research is about to take shape.
Neutrinos are quantum particles that scientists believe can help us understand the reason our universe is made of matter, realize some of Einstein’s theories, and maybe even witness the birth of neutron stars or even black holes.
The facility’s goal is to begin research after they put in the machinery, which will take about 5 years. The project was partly funded by the Department of Energy as well as international supporters.
The facility is projected to bring in over $2 billion and 1,200 jobs to South Dakota.
