Moroccan scientists contributed to a major breakthrough in astrophysics when the international KM3NeT telescope detected a neutrino with an unprecedented energy level in the Mediterranean Sea two years ago, according to Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP). The discovery, published in the journal Nature, is a significant advancement in high-energy astrophysics.
The neutrino, identified as KM3-230213A, was detected on February 13, 2023 and measured an energy level of 220 PeV (220 million billion electron volts). That energy level is 10,000 times greater than that produced by the world’s most powerful particle collider. Scientists believe the discovery could offer new insights into extreme cosmic phenomena, including supermassive black holes, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts, which are sources of ultra-high-energy cosmic neutrinos capable of traveling across the universe.
KM3NeT is an international collaboration involving scientists and institutions from 21 countries, including Morocco. The project’s primary goal is to study neutrinos by detecting the light they emit when interacting with seawater.
In a statement to MAP, Professor Yahya Tayalati, a coordinator of the KM3NeT project in Morocco and a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, highlighted the country’s active participation in the initiative. Morocco officially joined the collaboration in 2016 and has since established two construction sites, making it the only non-European country with such facilities.
One of the sites located at Mohammed V University in Rabat, focuses on assembling digital optical modules to detect neutrino light trails. The second site at Mohammed I University in Oujda specializes in integrating electronic systems that communicate with these modules.
In addition to Mohammed V and Mohammed I Universities, Morocco’s consortium includes Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir (UM6P) as official members. The National Center for Energy, Sciences, and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN) in Rabat also participates as an observer member.
Tayalati highlighted Morocco’s commitment to cutting-edge research, noting that the country’s universities play a key role in global scientific advancements. He also pointed out that the high-tech expertise gained through KM3NeT will benefit Moroccan industries and open up new opportunities for young researchers.
Professor Abdelilah Moussa, the KM3NeT coordinator at Mohammed I University in Oujda, said the discovery is a testament to teamwork and scientific excellence. He noted the importance of long-term support for researchers engaged in major international projects.
Scientists believe that the discovery will lead to new research opportunities in astrophysics, potentially uncovering more about the origins of cosmic neutrinos and their role in the universe.
Strengthening Morocco’s involvement in international scientific collaborations is expected to boost innovation, education, and technological advancements in the country.