In Jiangmen, Guangdong, a 700-meter-deep underground laboratory quietly accomplished a feat that left the Western scientific community astounded: within six months, China precisely injected 20,000 tons of mysterious liquid into an enormous container. It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but this is a real scientific breakthrough.
Behind this project is China’s self-developed, largest neutrino detector in the world—Jiangmen Neutrino Experiment (JUNO). Not only has it set a “size record,” but it also touches on the deepest questions in particle physics. Experts from the U.S., Japan, and Europe have expressed their amazement, stating that this is not conventional research but rather a “preview of the future laboratory.”
The “Liquid Giant Eye” 700 Meters Underground – How Was It Done?
At 700 meters deep in Jiangmen’s rock layers, there is a “super-large glass ball” with a diameter of 35 meters, slowly filled with 20,000 tons of liquid scintillator. This giant object is like an “eye” for science, able to see the “ghosts” of the universe.
It’s important to note that this was not just a simple water injection. The process was as delicate as a surgical operation—first, 60,000 tons of ultra-pure water were injected over 45 days, followed by six months to seamlessly replace it with the liquid scintillator.
The entire process required flow error to be controlled within 0.5%, with the liquid level variation limited to centimeters. The system had to be cleaned to near perfection, with almost no radioactive impurities, as even a tiny speck of dust could interfere with the experimental results.
Supporting all this is a structure system that can be described as an “underground palace”—in the center of a 44-meter-deep water pool, the liquid sphere floats, surrounded by thousands of precise photomultiplier tubes, like stars, capturing the faint signals left by neutrinos passing through the Earth. In simple terms, this is an extremely sensitive “cosmic listener” buried deep underground.
Why Do Scientists Scratch Their Heads Over the “Three Forms” of One Particle?
Neutrinos, often called “ghost particles,” are extremely difficult to catch—they have no charge, almost no mass, and billions pass through your body every second without you even noticing.
Yet, neutrinos may hold the key to understanding the origins of the universe. The primary mission of JUNO is to solve an unsolved mystery: what is the “mass order” of neutrinos? In other words, which of the three types of neutrinos is the heaviest, and which is the lightest?
Don’t underestimate this question—it is crucial for validating the entire particle physics model. Once the answer is determined, it can help scientists understand why antimatter didn’t dominate the universe and even address ultimate questions like “Why do we exist?”
The Power of JUNO
What makes JUNO so powerful is that it is not affected by Earth’s geological conditions, offering incredibly high precision. According to the project leader, JUNO is expected to achieve internationally leading measurement accuracy in the coming years—this isn’t “catching up,” it’s “leading the way.”
Moreover, JUNO isn’t focused on just one goal. It will also capture solar neutrinos, neutrinos released during supernova explosions, and even “Earth neutrinos” from inside the Earth, exploring material decay and searching for traces of dark matter. It can be said that JUNO is a panoramic “particle telescope” from the Earth’s core to the universe.
China’s Scientific “Hardcore Breakthrough”
The completion of JUNO is not just a technological miracle but a “breakthrough” for China in fundamental science. From being a “participant” to becoming a “leader,” China’s scientific community is undergoing a complete transformation.
This project is led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and involves nearly 700 scientists from 74 research institutions in 17 countries and regions. Clearly, this is not “building in isolation,” but using China’s capabilities to create a global platform.
Symbolically, China’s JUNO is now ranked alongside Japan’s Hyper-K and the U.S.’s DUNE as one of the three major neutrino experiments in the world. From catching up to standing shoulder to shoulder, China is no longer a follower in international scientific research but a major player on the fast track.
Furthermore, this project has led to numerous breakthroughs in “niche but crucial” technologies—such as the development of ultra-low-radioactivity materials, purification technology for ultra-clean liquids, and stable structural design for super-large detectors. These seemingly “esoteric lab knowledge” could eventually be transformed into technological advancements in fields like new energy, healthcare, and aerospace.
It’s also worth noting that JUNO has a design life of 30 years, providing a “stable window” for China’s scientific research for the next three decades. This is like building a permanent outpost in the long journey of cosmic exploration.
Beyond Technology: A Strategic Vision
From the perspective of Western media, China has quietly built a “scientific fortress” in a small town in southern China, one that the world has never seen before. The term “unheard of” not only expresses astonishment at the technology but also reflects the impact of China’s scientific pace and strategic foresight.
The Wall Street Journal once described China’s rise in basic scientific research as “systematic investment.” JUNO is a prime example of this investment: it doesn’t grab headlines but steadily tackles complex problems, ultimately achieving results that the world can only look up to.
The significance of such a large scientific facility goes far beyond internal scientific circles. It is reshaping humanity’s understanding of the universe, the Earth, and life. The “giant eye” 700 meters underground sees not only neutrinos but also how China’s science will rise and reach out to the world in the future.
Conclusion
Without fanfare or “muscle flexing,” China has built a “window to the future” with 20,000 tons of liquid, a 700-meter deep well, and 30 years of patience. The operation of JUNO is a deep demonstration of technological strength and a strategic move that quietly flows beneath the surface. As those ghost particles leave their traces, humanity’s understanding of the universe may be rewritten. And this time, China is writing the prologue.
