In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about 'IceCube', a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news : 1. It is the world's largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice. 2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter. 3. It is buried deep in the ice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A
1 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer
Explanation
Option (d) is correct because IceCube is a cubic-kilometer neutrino observatory buried deep (1.5 to 2.5 km) under Antarctic ice to detect high-energy neutrinos and search for dark matter signatures. Option (c) is the most tempting wrong choice because candidates often assume IceCube is exclusively for neutrino detection, whereas it also functions as a powerful telescope for indirect dark matter research by looking for neutrinos produced by WIMP annihilation. The core concept tested is the application of particle physics in modern astronomical research, specifically the use of neutrino detectors to study the universe and dark matter.
Particle Physics & AstronomyNeutrino ObservatoriesIceCubeSouth PoleNeutrino detectorDark matterCubic kilometre of iceCosmic rays