Overview of the Neutrino Observatory Projects

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in China has been completed, providing a contrast to the stalled India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO). Both observatories are designed to study neutrinos, elusive subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter.

Challenges Faced by the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

• Scale and Location:
  • The INO's massive 50-kilotonne detector necessitated construction inside a mountain in Theni, Tamil Nadu.
  • Local apprehensions about the scale of construction and involvement of the Department of Atomic Energy led to political challenges.
• Public and Political Response:
  • INO failed to anticipate and manage public sentiment effectively, contributing to delays.
• Financial Constraints:
  • INO faced challenges in securing international funding, particularly as China advanced with JUNO.

Progress of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO)

• JUNO released its first analyses in two preprint papers on November 18, 2024.
• International Collaboration:
  • Researchers from numerous countries, excluding India, contributed to JUNO.
• Scientific Advances:
  • JUNO measured θ-12 with high precision, key to understanding neutrino mass ordering.

Implications for India and Future Prospects

• India has a rich history in neutrino physics but currently lacks the resources to compete on the current scale of discovery.
• The potential for future participation in Big Science projects remains, given the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Indian scientists.

Conclusion and Lessons

The challenges faced by INO highlight the need for preparedness beyond scientific readiness, including ground conditions and public engagement, for successful execution of large-scale scientific projects.