The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a large scientific facility located at the South Pole, designed to detect neutrinos, which are tiny, nearly massless particles that rarely interact with matter. It consists of a cubic kilometer of ice embedded with thousands of optical sensors that capture the faint light produced when neutrinos collide with ice particles. This unique setup allows scientists to study high-energy cosmic events, such as supernovae and black holes.
Constructed between 2005 and 2010, the observatory is a collaboration involving researchers from around the world. By analyzing the data collected, scientists aim to gain insights into fundamental questions about the universe, including the origins of cosmic rays and the nature of dark matter.