Chinese scientists have successfully deployed a prototype detector for the High-energy Underwater Neutrino Telescope (HUNT) in the South China Sea, marking a significant milestone in neutrino astronomy research, the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced on Wednesday.

The detector was placed at a depth of 1,600 meters below sea level with the support of the scientific research ship Tansuo-3 and the manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi (Deep Sea Warrior), which precisely positioned it at the predetermined site.

Major Scientific Infrastructure Connection
The IHEP reported that the detectors have been successfully linked to China's undersea scientific observation network, a key element of the country’s major national scientific and technological infrastructure.

Neutrinos, known for their high penetration capabilities, are crucial for understanding the origins of high-energy cosmic rays and the evolution of celestial bodies.

Pioneering Neutrino Astronomy Research
The next-generation HUNT project aims to be a cutting-edge research facility, paving the way for advancements in neutrino astronomy. The proposed telescope will cover around 600 square kilometers in the South China Sea, identified as the only suitable location in China for such an ambitious project.

A collaborative effort led by the IHEP, Ocean University of China, and the Institute of Acoustics of CAS, among other research institutions, continues to drive the development of this large-scale scientific initiative.

Experts believe this groundbreaking project will significantly enhance China's capabilities in the global study of cosmic phenomena.