Neutrino masses are a fundamental aspect of particle physics, indicating that neutrinos, previously thought to be massless, have a very small but non-zero mass. This discovery has profound implications for the Standard Model of particle physics, cosmology, and our understanding of the universe's matter-antimatter asymmetry.

Neutrino Masses

Particle physics is the branch of physics that studies the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions. By exploring subatomic particles like quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons, it seeks to understand the underlying principles of the universe, often through high-energy experiments like those conducted in particle accelerators.

Particle Physics

Massless neutrinos

The Standard Model of Particle Physics is a well-established theory that describes three of the four known fundamental forces in the universe and classifies all known subatomic particles. It successfully explains electromagnetic, weak, and strong nuclear interactions but does not incorporate gravity or account for dark matter and dark energy.

Standard Model Of Particle Physics

Cosmology is the scientific study of the large-scale properties and dynamics of the universe, encompassing its origin, evolution, and eventual fate. It integrates observational astronomy and theoretical physics to explore fundamental questions about the universe's structure, composition, and the laws governing its expansion and development.

Cosmology

Matter-antimatter asymmetry refers to the observed imbalance between matter and antimatter in the universe, where matter vastly outnumbers antimatter despite theories suggesting they should have been created in equal amounts during the Big Bang. This asymmetry is a fundamental question in physics and has implications for understanding the evolution of the universe and the laws governing particle interactions.

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