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Belgian physicist Prof Francis Halzen wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for IceCube Neutrino Observatory
Overview
Prof Francis Halzen has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his decisive contributions and leadership in developing the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole. The facility uses Antarctic ice and light sensors to detect high-energy cosmic neutrinos, enabling a new form of astronomy that investigates distant and violent processes in the universe.
Key points
- Prof Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.
- IceCube is located at the South Pole and uses a cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice fitted with light sensors.
- The observatory detects high-energy neutrinos originating from violent processes in distant galaxies.
- Halzen first presented his vision for detecting neutrinos at the South Pole in 1988.
- Rare interactions between neutrinos and the Antarctic ice produce flashes of light that give clues about extreme cosmic conditions.