China's JUNO lab prepares to study neutrinos in quest for particle physics answers

China's Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is set to begin data collection on neutrinos, a key focus in particle physics. The facility, located 700 meters underground, will analyze neutrinos from nearby nuclear power plants and the sun. JUNO, with a budget of $300 million, aims to determine the mass hierarchy of neutrinos, potentially revealing insights into the universe's early days. It is expected to start operations in late 2025, ahead of the larger U.S. Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, which faces delays. The project has seen reduced U.S. collaboration due to political tensions, with only one U.S. group remaining involved. Data from JUNO will be shared with international partners, ensuring integrity through independent analyses.