Obstacles to observing the cosmic neutrino background

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of observing the cosmic neutrino background, specifically the event occurring approximately 1 μs after the Big Bang when neutrinos decoupled. Key obstacles include the low energy of neutrinos, a low background density of cosmic neutrinos, and interference from numerous neutrinos emitted by stars. Current technology is insufficient for such observations, with potential advancements anticipated in the next 200 years, although skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of achieving this goal.

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  • Understanding of cosmic neutrinos and their properties
  • Knowledge of the Big Bang theory and its timeline
  • Familiarity with neutrino detection technologies
  • Basic principles of particle physics and cross-sections
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  • Research advancements in neutrino detection technologies
  • Study the implications of neutrino decoupling in cosmology
  • Explore the role of background neutrinos from stellar sources
  • Investigate theoretical models predicting future observational capabilities
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Astronomers, physicists, and researchers interested in cosmology and particle physics, particularly those focused on neutrino research and the early universe.

bobsmith76
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I was delight to learn that there was an event about 1 μs after the Big Bang when neutrinos decoupled, making them in principle observable. We of course don't have the technology to observe the event now, but the lecturer who informed me of this said it might be available 200 years from now. What are the physical obstacles to observing such an event, and do you think it will ever be observed.
 
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- the neutrinos have a low energy by now (I don't know the value by heart, but you can find it somewhere). In general, the cross-section tends to increase with energy.
- the neutrino background density is probably low
- there are a lot of neutrinos from stars as background source

"200 years from now" = "it could be possible, but I don't see any way to do it"
 

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